Laboratory and Insectary Technician in London

Laboratory and Insectary Technician in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Imperial College London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support laboratory and insectary operations, conducting routine procedures and experiments.
  • Company: Join Imperial College London, a top-ranked university with a dynamic research environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in malaria research while gaining hands-on experience.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and lab experience required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are seeking to appoint a Laboratory and Insectary Technician to support the Translation Research and Training Facility (TRTF) at Imperial College London’s Silwood Park Campus. The TRTF is a £5m state‑of‑the‑art facility supporting the Target Malaria programme, an international not‑for‑profit research consortium developing genetic technologies to control malaria vector mosquitoes. This is a hands‑on technical role providing essential support to laboratory and insectary operations within a regulated research environment.

Working under the supervision of senior technical staff, you will carry out routine, well‑established procedures to support insectary activities, laboratory experiments and molecular assays. The role contributes directly to the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the facilities while ensuring compliance with health, safety, biosafety and quality management requirements. The post is delivery‑focused and operational in nature, requiring accuracy, reliability and a strong commitment to maintaining high standards in laboratory and insectary practice.

You will support the day‑to‑day operation of the insectary and laboratory facilities by carrying out routine procedures in accordance with established protocols and standard operating procedures. This will include:

  • Supporting the rearing, maintenance, and monitoring of wild-type and genetically modified mosquito colonies;
  • Preparing samples, reagents, and consumables;
  • Assisting with laboratory experiments, such as molecular diagnostic assays and fertility and phenotype assessments, under guidance.

You will contribute to maintaining clean, organised and compliant working environments by participating in cleaning, washing and maintenance rotas, and will support accurate record-keeping by completing laboratory and insectary logbooks. The role also involves monitoring consumable stocks, supporting ordering processes, and reporting equipment or maintenance issues to senior staff. You will work closely with researchers and senior technicians, communicating progress and issues appropriately, and may support the induction and training of students or new staff in routine procedures under supervision.

You will hold a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in a biological or life sciences discipline and have experience working in a laboratory and/or insectary environment. You will have practical experience with routine molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction and PCR, as well as with insect rearing, maintenance, or manipulation. You will be able to follow established protocols accurately, maintain high‑quality records, and work effectively within a regulated environment. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team are essential for this role. Experience working within quality‑managed or regulated facilities would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and offers a collaborative, inclusive and dynamic working environment. You will join an organisation committed to tackling global challenges through world‑leading research and innovation. Imperial offers a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and access to a wide range of staff benefits, including opportunities for training, professional development and career progression.

Laboratory and Insectary Technician in London employer: Imperial College London

Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to world-leading research and innovation in a collaborative and inclusive environment. As a Laboratory and Insectary Technician at the state-of-the-art Silwood Park Campus, you will benefit from competitive salaries, a generous pension scheme, and extensive opportunities for professional development and career progression, all while contributing to vital global health initiatives.

Imperial College London

Contact Details:

Imperial College London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Laboratory and Insectary Technician in London

Explore University Career Fairs

University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Imperial College London, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!

Join Biology Communities

Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.

Attend Industry Conferences

Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Imperial College London, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

Show Off Your Research Skills

When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Imperial College London.

We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory and Insectary Technician in London

Laboratory Techniques
Insect Rearing and Maintenance
Molecular Biology Techniques
DNA Extraction
PCR
Attention to Detail
Record-Keeping

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Imperial College London.

Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Laboratory and Insectary Technician at Imperial College London.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.

Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Imperial College London.

How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.

Show Off Your Lab Skills

Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Imperial College London.

Communicate Your Passion for Biology

As this is a full-time position, employers at Imperial College London are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!