Laboratory Support Technician (Maternity cover)

Laboratory Support Technician (Maternity Cover)

Post number:
Contract: 12 months, full time
Salary: £24,000 - £29,050 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 8 April 2026

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute sterile media, supplies and lab-ware.
• Wash, dry and distribute laboratory glassware.
• Process microbiological waste and other laboratory waste.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, dishwashers, pH meters, dispensing equipment.
• Maintain communal consumable stocks and routine equipment maintenance.
• Carry out quality assurance and health and safety procedures.
• Provide guidance, support and training to staff.
• Perform any other duties agreed with line manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at A -C (including English and Maths).
• 2 A Levels or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of the preparation of growth media (desirable).
• Previous laboratory experience (essential).
• Experience in a customer service environment (essential).
• Experience in stock management and inventory (desirable).
• Experience using laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, pH meters, etc. (desirable).

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Competent computer skills and file sharing systems.
• Understanding of quality assurance and health and safety.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a small team.
• Independent, proactive and enthusiastic about scientific support.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Attention to detail and ability to move large/heavy items.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive values.

Additional Information

This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for 12 months, which may be shorter or longer depending on the absent employee's return. The position does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship. The Institute is an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident organisation and holds a Gold Athena SWAN award and a Stonewall Diversity Champion programme membership.

About the John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, training scientists and making findings available to society. It is a registered charity (No. 223852) and is grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.