Laboratory Technician in Oxford

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to support day‑to‑day laboratory operations and experimental work across our research teams. This is a practical, operations‑heavy role requiring strong organisational skills, comfort with laboratory infrastructure, and the ability to work safely and independently in a fast‑moving biotech environment. You will play a key role in keeping the lab running efficiently, safely, and audit‑ready while also supporting routine experimental activities within Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations & Equipment: Set‑up, routine maintenance, decontamination, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment (e.g. incubators, centrifuges, water baths, microbiological safety cabinets, pipettes).
• Assist with scheduling preventative maintenance and servicing of equipment.
• Maintain accurate equipment, calibration, and asset records within the Asset Management System.
• Contribute to the organisation, cleanliness, and readiness of laboratory spaces.

• Laboratory Supplies, Deliveries & Infrastructure: Handle deliveries of laboratory consumables, equipment, gas cylinders, and dry ice.
• Safely handle, transport, and store gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice.
• Perform routine topping‑up of LN2 sample storage tanks.
• Procure Human Tissue Act (HTA)‑relevant materials in line with regulatory requirements.
• Provide absence cover for the Laboratory Assistant, including lab orders, deliveries, and waste handling.

• Monitoring, Compliance & Safety: Contribute to the management and response processes of the remote temperature monitoring system.
• Perform routine mycoplasma testing of cell cultures in line with SOPs and scheduled testing plans.
• Accurately record mycoplasma testing results, escalate positive findings, and support any required follow‑up actions.
• Follow SOPs, risk assessments, and health & safety procedures at all times.
• Support waste disposal, decontamination processes, and audit readiness.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly and support investigations and corrective actions.
• Support completion and periodic review of risk assessments and COSHH assessments relevant to laboratory activities.
• Ensure appropriate use of PPE and adherence to safe systems of work, escalating concerns where controls are not in place.
• Carry out routine laboratory safety checks (e.g. eyewash stations, spill kits, first aid supplies, signage) and raise actions for replenishment or repair.
• Support laboratory inductions and ensure required training and documentation are completed before independent work.
• Assist with inspections, audits, and general laboratory compliance activities as the company scales.

• Experimental & Research Support: Assist Drug Discovery and Functional Genomics teams with routine laboratory techniques and experiment preparation, aligned with training and experience.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and consumables for experimental workflows.
• Support cell culture activities, including sample handling, storage, and routine quality checks.
• Ensure accurate documentation of laboratory activities and support sample tracking.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• A‑level (or equivalent) in Applied Science or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting a biotechnology or research laboratory environment.
• Practical experience with laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and cell culture support.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting drug discovery or functional genomics laboratories.
• Hands‑on experience performing mycoplasma testing (e.g. PCR‑based, luminescence‑based, or enzymatic assays).
• Experience using MyAmici procurement and asset management system.
• Proficiency in the safe use of gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen (LN2), and dry ice.
• Familiarity with HTA and GLP environments.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to handle deliveries of laboratory consumables and equipment.
• Ability to safely handle, move, and connect gas cylinders, LN2, and dry ice.
• Ability to perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks, including work in low‑level or confined spaces.
• Ability to work in cell culture rooms, cold rooms, and LN2 storage environments.