Technician in Abingdon

About Us

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground‑breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably and safely control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that pests pose to human health and the global food supply. Oxitec is about people and is in service to people. We are strongly committed to a set of values, principles, and behaviours, and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability.

Purpose of the Job

As a Technician for Oxitec, you will join a dynamic project dedicated to the research and development of our self‑limiting technology in insects that spread disease, damage crops and harm livestock. You will join our Development Team, who are focussed on the invention and validation of new processes and equipment that allow us to rear and deploy world‑leading quantities of high‑quality insects. You will be responsible for maintaining multiple insect colonies for use in research and assisting with delivering high quality experimental output to drive our innovations forward. This role requires the individual to be highly motivated and capable of providing technical support in our R&D team to meet our project objectives and company goals. This ranges from maintaining a clean working environment to looking after our insect colonies and/or laboratory equipment, assisting with experimental set‑up and data collection, as well as helping to maintain a safe and functional working environment. This role can span multiple projects and will require the individual to be flexible and respond to priorities under the guidance of their line manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintain multiple insect colonies and ensure insects are available in a timely way and at appropriate scale to evaluate mass rearing approaches.
• Support the team with experimental set up and data collection, according to specified protocols to deliver mass production and release strategies.
• Carefully record data and document activities and processes within laboratory books or other applicable records.
• Support the smooth running of the laboratory as directed by the line manager, maintaining tidiness, and supporting the team’s compliance to established procedures, regulations and health and safety.
• Preparation and maintenance of laboratory stock solutions, insect diets and equipment, including ordering of laboratory supplies.
• Assist with maintaining up to date health and safety records and writing and updating SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments.
• Provide clear communication to the rearing development scientist and team lead on experimental status.
• Follow Health & Safety and containment requirements for all activities.
• Provide occasional weekend support as part of a rota within the R&D team.

Skills, Experience, and Education Requirements

• Educated to A-level standard in a scientific subject.
• Experience of working in a biological sciences laboratory is preferred, with insect rearing expertise desirable.
• Good communication skills.
• Have a creative approach to problem solving and the development of applied solutions.
• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, thriving and being resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.

Behavioural Requirements

• Committed to and passionate about Oxitec’s mission and values.
• Diligent and organised.
• Comfortable working independently and within a team.
• Adaptable and flexible, thriving and resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in‑line with business requirements.
• Decisive and assertive with a driven and proactive approach.
• Positive, humble, co‑operative, and professional.
• Works with a sense of urgency and solves things promptly.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.
• Empathetic, with the ability to build effective relationships quickly.
• A team player who believes the success of us all depends on us working together.

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract for a period of 9 months. Oxitec is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.