Laboratory Support Technician

The successful applicants will work as part of a Laboratory Support Department which provides operational support to 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 holders 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

• 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

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at A*-C grade (including English and Maths) – Essential
• 2 A Levels or equivalent – Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• 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

Previous laboratory experience

• 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

• 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

• Attention to detail – Essential
• Ability to move large/heavy items such as loaded trolleys, waste receptacles etc. (reasonable adjustments considered for candidates with a disability) – Essential
• Ability to lift small loads up to 13kg at waist/chest height (reasonable adjustments 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
• Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required – Essential
• Promotes equality and values diversity – Essential

Who We Are

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.

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 Technician 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).

Laboratory Support Technician

Salary: 24,000 – £29,050 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.

Contract: 12 months, full time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

Closing date: 18 January 2026

Reference: 1005012

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

About the Department:

The successful applicants will work as part of a Laboratory Support team covering the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing essential operational 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 holders 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 candidates 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 proactive, enthusiastic individuals 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:

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