Main Purpose of the Job

The successful applicant will work as part of a Laboratory Support Department covering the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing an essential service to John Innes Centre scientists.

Duties will include preparation and distribution of sterile media and supplies, washing, drying and distribution of laboratory glassware, processing microbiological waste, and the routine use and maintenance of laboratory support work area equipment, e.g. autoclaves, dishwashers, pH meters, dispensing equipment etc. The post holder will also be responsible for maintaining communal consumable stocks, routine maintenance of equipment, waste disposal and recycling, QA and H&S related tasks and other general laboratory duties.

Key Relationships

Laboratory Technicians are deployed to JIC science buildings as required by the Laboratory Supervisors. The local Supervisor will be responsible for the day to day management of the Technician. Laboratory Technicians work with all levels of staff including Science staff and Students, Stores, Purchasing and Facilities staff, and other staff members in NBI Partnership Ltd.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Preparation and distribution of media, sterile lab-ware, and consumables

20

Maintaining communal consumable stocks and technical activities such as equipment maintenance, waste disposal and recycling

20

Use of lab equipment, including autoclaves, washers, balances, pH meters etc. as required

15

Collection, washing and distribution of lab-ware

10

Collection and processing of biological and chemical waste

10

Health and Safety and Quality Assurance procedures

10

Guidance, support and training of staff

10

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

5 GCSEs or equivalent at A* - C grade (including English and Maths)

Essential

2 A Levels or equivalent

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Competent in computer skills and file sharing systems

Essential

Understanding of quality assurance (QA)

Essential

Sound understanding of Health and Safety

Essential

Basic knowledge of the preparation of growth media

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Previous laboratory experience

Essential

Experience in a customer service environment

Essential

Experience in stock management and inventory

Desirable

Experience of using laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, pH meters etc.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good interpersonal skills and demonstrable evidence of ability to integrate well within a small team

Essential

Ability to act independently and proactively in work situations

Essential

Strong enthusiasm for, and commitment to, supporting scientific excellence

Essential

Good organisational and time management skills

Essential

Good written and verbal communication skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Ability to move large/heavy items such as loaded trolleys, waste receptacles etc. (reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates with a disability)

Essential

Ability to lift small loads up to 13kg at waist/chest height (reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates with a disability)

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

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, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Laboratory Support

Group Details

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Laboratory Support Technician
Salary:            £23,493 - £28,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        12 months, full time
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 6 July 2025
Reference:     1004913

The John Innes Centre (JIC) is seeking applications for a Laboratory Support Technician to provide essential support to science staff within the main science buildings at the John Innes Centre.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. 

Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.

About the Department:

The successful applicant will work as part of a Laboratory Support team covering the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing essential support to John Innes Centre scientists.

The role:

Duties will include preparation and distribution of sterile media and supplies, washing, drying and distribution of laboratory glassware, processing microbiological waste, and the routine use and maintenance of laboratory support work area equipment, e.g. autoclaves, dishwashers, pH meters, dispensing equipment etc.

The post holder will also be responsible for maintaining communal consumable stocks, routine maintenance of equipment, waste disposal and recycling, quality assurance and Health and Safety-related tasks and other general laboratory duties.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in media preparation and biological and chemical waste handling, and other aspects of laboratory support operations.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have 5 GCSEs or equivalent at A* - C grade (including English and Maths) and 2 A Levels or equivalent. They will also have basic knowledge of the preparation of growth media.

We are seeking to appoint a proactive, enthusiastic person with good organisational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent team working skills, who will be able to integrate well within a varied team.

A sound understanding of health and safety, computer skills and previous laboratory experience are essential.

Full training in all necessary tasks will be given.

Additional information:

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.