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- Tasks: Join the Media Preparation Facility to support research by preparing media for model organisms.
- Company: UCL is a prestigious university with a rich history and a commitment to life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in biological research.
- Qualifications: A BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience is preferred.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to foster an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Assistant Technician (Media Preparation Facility) at UCL
Ref Number
B02-09267
Professional Expertise
Laboratory Technical and Lab Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
01-Sept-2025
About us
The Faculty is made up of five academic Divisions; the School of Pharmacy, Biosciences, the Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neurocircuits and Behaviour and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit. In addition it is home to a specialist teaching facility; the Cruciform Teaching Facilities Unit. Some of the constituent parts of the Faculty have long and distinguished histories that can be traced back to the early 19th century when UCL was founded and we are proud to have nine Nobel Laureates associated with Life Sciences.
Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Media Preparation Facility. This post will support the research and teaching community by providing routine technical assistance within their area of specialism.
The role includes working collaboratively as part of the Media Preparation Facility Technical Team to deliver a reliable and high-quality service to the research and teaching community in relation to providing media for Drosophila melanogaster, C. elegans , and other model organisms. This post will engage with other divisional teams to help implement coordinated practices across the division.
This post will work collaboratively with the other members of the Facility Technical Team, and Core Technical Teams, to deliver high quality technical provision, media preparation and administrative support.
Continuation of essential Drosophila melanogaster and C. elegans research strongly relies on the dependable service the Media Preparation Facility Technical Team provide. To deliver this, the individual must be reliable, adaptable and have excellent problem solving and organisational skills.
Please note: this position requires regular manual handling tasks, including the lifting, moving, and carrying of materials as part of the daily duties.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
• Preparing large volumes of media accurately and efficiently, following specific recipes and meeting order deadlines.
• Processing glassware and disposing of fly media culture waste daily.
• Supporting the day-to-day facility operations, including organising resources, managing stores, ordering supplies, and storing reagents.
• Following established procedures to deliver a high-quality service and suggesting improvements.
• Supporting ongoing changes and improvements in collaboration with the facility manager.
We will consider applications to work on a job share basis wherever possible.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Beth Wallis (beth.wallis@ucl.ac.uk). If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR team at fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk , quoting the advert reference number in your subject line.
About you
Ideally you will have a BSc, or level 5, qualification in a relevant Biological Sciences subject or equivalent experience. Previous experience of working in a laboratory-based environment and a working knowledge of Health and Safety in the workplace/laboratory is essential. Some theoretical and practical knowledge of preparing large volumes of media and of operating industrial glass washers and autoclaves, would be an advantage.
You’re a reliable and committed individual with excellent attention to detail and a strong work ethic. You work efficiently and independently, take initiative, and are accountable for your responsibilities. Flexible and helpful, you\’re open to occasional out-of-hours support if needed. A positive team player, you actively contribute, support colleagues, and value continuous learning and constructive feedback.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan and expenses
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
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Assistant Technician (Media Preparation Facility) at UCL employer: National Technician Development Centre
Contact Detail:
National Technician Development Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Technician (Media Preparation Facility) at UCL
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific media preparation techniques used for Drosophila melanogaster and C. elegans. Understanding these processes will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UCL, especially those in the School of Life & Medical Sciences. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any previous laboratory experience you have, particularly in media preparation or working with model organisms. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to team projects or improved processes in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly in a lab setting. This role requires reliability and adaptability, so having concrete examples will strengthen your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Technician (Media Preparation Facility) at UCL
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Technician position. Highlight key skills such as media preparation, organisational skills, and teamwork in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in laboratory settings, particularly any work with biological sciences or media preparation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for the role. Mention your qualifications, relevant experience, and how your skills align with the needs of the Media Preparation Facility at UCL.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Technician Development Centre
✨Know Your Media Preparation
Familiarise yourself with the specific media preparation techniques relevant to Drosophila melanogaster and C. elegans. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the processes involved and any previous experience you have in preparing large volumes of media.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in past roles, especially in laboratory settings, and express your enthusiasm for supporting colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've encountered challenges in a lab environment and how you resolved them. Emphasise your adaptability and reliability, as these traits are crucial for maintaining high-quality service in the Media Preparation Facility.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Since accuracy is key in media preparation, be ready to provide examples that demonstrate your attention to detail. Discuss how you ensure precision in your work and how this contributes to the overall success of laboratory operations.