Laboratory Technician

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to support day‑to‑day laboratory operations and experimental work across our research teams. This is a practical, operations‑heavy role requiring strong organisational skills, comfort with laboratory infrastructure, and the ability to work safely and independently in a fast‑moving biotech environment. 

You will play a key role in keeping the lab running efficiently, safely, and audit‑ready while also supporting routine experimental activities within Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics. 

Key Responsibilities 

Laboratory Operations & Equipment: 

• Set‑up, routine maintenance, decontamination, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment (e.g. incubators, centrifuges, water baths, microbiological safety cabinets, pipettes) 

• Assist with scheduling preventative maintenance and servicing of equipment 

• Maintain accurate equipment, calibration, and asset records within the Asset Management System 

• Contribute to the organisation, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratory spaces 

Laboratory Supplies, Deliveries & Infrastructure: 

• Handle deliveries of laboratory consumables, equipment, gas cylinders, and dry ice 

• Safely handle, transport, and store gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice 

• Perform routine topping‑up of LN2 sample storage tanks 

• Procure Human Tissue Act (HTA)‑relevant materials in line with regulatory requirements 

• Provide absence cover for the Laboratory Assistant, including lab orders, deliveries, and waste handling 

Monitoring, Compliance & Safety: 

• Contribute to the management and response processes of the remote temperature monitoring system 

• Perform routine mycoplasma testing of cell cultures in line with SOPs and scheduled testing plans 

• Accurately record mycoplasma testing results, escalate positive findings, and support any required follow‑up actions 

• Follow SOPs, risk assessments, and health & safety procedures at all times 

• Support waste disposal, decontamination processes, and audit readiness 

• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly and support investigations and corrective actions 

• Support completion and periodic review of risk assessments and COSHH assessments relevant to laboratory activities 

• Ensure appropriate use of PPE and adherence to safe systems of work, escalating concerns where controls are not in place 

• Carry out routine laboratory safety checks (e.g. eyewash stations, spill kits, first aid supplies, signage) and raise actions for replenishment or repair 

• Support laboratory inductions and ensure required training and documentation are completed before independent work 

• Assist with inspections, audits, and general laboratory compliance activities as the company scales 

Experimental & Research Support: 

• Assist Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics teams with routine laboratory techniques and experiment preparation, aligned with training and experience 

• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and consumables for experimental workflows 

• Support cell culture activities, including sample handling, storage, and routine quality checks 

• Ensure accurate documentation of laboratory activities and support sample tracking 

Skills, Qualifications & Experience: 

Essential: 

• A‑level (or equivalent) in Applied Science or a related discipline 

• Experience supporting a biotechnology or research laboratory environment 

• Practical experience with laboratory equipment and infrastructure 

• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and cell culture support 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately 

• Good organisational and communication skills 

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small, collaborative team 

Desirable: 

• Experience supporting drug discovery or functional genomics laboratories 

• Hands‑on experience performing mycoplasma testing (e.g. PCR‑based, luminescence‑based, or enzymatic assays) 

• Experience using: 

• MyAmici procurement and asset management system 

• T‑Scan (or similar) remote temperature monitoring system 

• Proficiency in the safe use of gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice 

• Familiarity with HTA and GLP environments 

Physical & Environmental Requirements: 

• Ability to handle deliveries of laboratory consumables and equipment 

• Ability to safely handle, move, and connect gas cylinders, LN2, and dry ice 

• Ability to perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks, including work in low‑level or confined spaces 

• Ability to work in cell culture rooms, cold rooms, and LN2 storage environments as