Laboratory Assistant

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre dedicated to developing new technologies for the life sciences, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation. We are dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science to tackle the UK’s most pressing health research challenges. The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. We are committed to developing our staff and students to give them the best opportunities in the scientific world. 

As a Laboratory Technical Assistant you will assist the laboratory manager and provide technical support for researchers. You will join an adaptable, hard-working and proactive technical team at the Franklin with the opportunity to develop your skills as a laboratory technician.

The ideal candidate will have a scientific background and have an appreciation of both biological and chemical hazards that can exist within the laboratory setting.

Key responsibilities:

Maintaining the group’s chemical inventory and chemicals storage

Identifying generally used consumables to be replenished

Creating purchase order requisitions and following up on orders for consumables

Participating in general lab duties waste management for a variety of waste streams (chemical, biological and recycling)

Cleaning, calibration, handling and maintenance of a range of common basic laboratory equipment - training will be provided for specialist techniques if required.

Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition

Training new users in safe laboratory practices and handling and maintenance of basic laboratory equipment

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Minimum Degree in Chemical or biosciences related subject area or sufficient experience in the field

• Willingness to learn and apply new scientific techniques

• Understanding of Health and Safety requirements and willingness to work toward IOSH/NEBOSH qualification

• Computer literacy using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements

• Ability to carry out a range of technical tasks on own volition, working independently but functioning as part of a team

• Good organisational and time management skills

• Understanding health and safety in similar lab environment

• Ability to follow protocols

• Ability to follow instructions

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to impart and obtain information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

Desirable:

• Experience working in an academic environment

• Practical technical experience in working in a chemistry or biological laboratory

• Experience in basic Health and Safety management of a designated work area

In return we offer:

25 days holidays + site close for Christmas (in addition to your allowance)

Hybrid working

Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)

Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels

Bus pass discount scheme

Access to employee discount platform via Perkbox (discounts/wellbeing/Employee Assistance/counselling)

Occupational Health services

Health cash plan

Access to wellbeing resources through Thrive

Subsidised on-site canteen

Free on-site parking

Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

About Us

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our . 

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter through explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date for applications is  Sunday 20th August 2023 ; however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate.

Applicants should refer to our