At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and sterilise lab media, clean glassware, and support research workflows.
- Company: Join the innovative Ellison Institute of Technology focused on impactful plant science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for growth and training.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that tackles global food production challenges.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent; lab experience preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About EIT
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we’re on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges in four transformative areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Climate Change & Managing CO₂. EIT is a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real‑world breakthroughs.
Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute
The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research. Areas of exploration include:
- Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outside
- Reduced reliance on inputs including water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides
- Novel decarbonised plant‑based production platforms for food and medicines
- Advanced technologies that speed up discovery and deployment in plants
Your Role
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is seeking a highly organised and detail‑oriented Glassware Technician to support laboratory operations within its Plant Biosciences (PBI) research programme. This role is responsible for the preparation and sterilisation of culture media and solution, cleaning of laboratory glassware, and operation of glassware washers, autoclaves and related equipment in accordance with approved SOPs and safety standards. The successful candidate will maintain accurate records, monitor stock levels, support regulatory compliance (including COSHH and GM requirements), and ensure high standards of housekeeping and Good Laboratory Practice.
Your Responsibilities
- Prepare a wide range of microbiological and plant tissue culture media, buffers, agar plates, and specialised growth solutions in accordance with approved SOPs and research requirements
- Operate autoclaves and other sterilisation equipment, performing routine checks and promptly reporting faults
- Ensure correct preparation, handling, labelling, storage, and distribution of media to prevent contamination and maintain quality standards
- Maintain accurate records of media preparation, sterilisation cycles, batch numbers, and stock levels to ensure regulatory compliance
- Assist with completing and updating a wide range of safety documentation
- Manage and monitor stock levels of reagents and consumables, conducting regular expiry checks and ordering as required
- Maintain safe handling, segregation, and disposal of contaminated and non‑contaminated materials in line with biosafety, GM regulations, COSHH, and institutional health & safety policies
- Conduct routine laboratory cleaning and waste collection and disposal
- Support laboratory workflows by ensuring a consistent and timely supply of media and materials
- Collect, wash, sterilise (autoclave), and restock laboratory glassware to maintain operational efficiency
- Clean, maintain, and report issues with media preparation equipment, including autoclaves, refrigerators, storage facilities, and automated plate pourers
- Troubleshoot and resolve quality control issues related to media preparation and sterilisation processes
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and good laboratory practice (GLP)
- Provide technical support to scientific staff, assisting with experimental support and responding to research requests
Requirements
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
- GCSE's or equivalent
- Experience in laboratory support, technical services, or a related role within an academic, research, or industrial laboratory is required, with plant handling experience desirable but not essential
- Ability to follow SOPs accurately and consistently
- Practical experience preparing, sterilising, and handling laboratory media, buffers, and solutions (e.g. plant tissue culture, microbiological, or biochemical media)
- Strong understanding of aseptic techniques and contamination control
- Knowledge of health & safety regulations, including COSHH, biohazard handling, autoclave safety, and laboratory quality assurance systems
- Awareness of regulatory requirements associated with GM organisms (training can be provided if required)
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Ability to safely perform manual handling tasks and operate laboratory equipment such as automated culture media plate pourer
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy research environment
- Basic IT skills for maintaining records, inventory, and maintenance logs
- Willingness to undertake additional training to expand technical expertise
- Well organised, able to prioritise tasks, and comfortable managing multiple responsibilities in a busy lab setting
Benefits
- Salary dependent on experience + travel allowance + bonus
- Enhanced holiday + options to buy additional days
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electric Car Scheme
- Childcare benefit
Working Together - What It Involves
You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).
Glassware and Media Prep Technician - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
The Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the field, contributing to groundbreaking diagnostic technologies. Our competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including pension and medical insurance, ensure that our team members are well-supported in their professional journey.
Contact Details:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Glassware and Media Prep Technician - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with researchers at the Plant Biology Institute. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with lab techniques or equipment mentioned in the job description, be ready to discuss them in detail during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! For a role like Glassware Technician, you might be tested on your ability to follow SOPs or handle lab equipment. Brush up on your aseptic techniques and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the EIT community and contributing to groundbreaking research.
We think you need these skills to ace Glassware and Media Prep Technician - Plant Biology Institute in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Glassware and Media Prep Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in laboratory support and any specific skills that match the job description, like aseptic techniques or media preparation.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a high level of organisation and accuracy, be sure to mention any experiences where you demonstrated these skills. Whether it’s maintaining records or following SOPs, let us know how you keep things on track!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We love collaboration at StudySmarter! Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team, especially in a lab setting. This will show us that you can contribute to our mission of pushing boundaries and creating impactful solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Know Your SOPs
Familiarise yourself with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) relevant to glassware and media preparation. Be ready to discuss how you would follow these protocols in your role, as this shows your attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.
✨Showcase Your Lab Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled laboratory media or equipment. Highlight any specific techniques you've used, especially those related to aseptic methods and contamination control, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational abilities, think of ways to illustrate how you've managed multiple tasks in a busy lab environment. Discuss your strategies for prioritising tasks and maintaining accurate records, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Plant Biology Institute's research focus and how your role contributes to their mission. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you understand how you can make an impact within the team.
