At a Glance
- Tasks: Support laboratory operations, manage supplies, and assist with health and safety tasks.
- Company: Join a leading clinical research department focused on infectious disease.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research while developing essential lab skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, maths, and science; practical lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Section of Adult Infectious Disease, within the Dept of Infectious Disease, is seeking an enthusiastic Laboratory Support Assistant to work closely with the Laboratory Manager to assist with the smooth running and organisation of the Section’s research laboratories at the Hammersmith Hospital Campus.
What you would be doing:
- Maintaining and ordering stocks of essential laboratory supplies and consumables, including undertaking regular stock checks and maintaining laboratory coat cleaning and stores.
- Collecting and disposing of laboratory waste by the appropriate routes and collecting laboratory glassware, washing, autoclaving and distributing as necessary.
- Assisting with general laboratory administrative duties e.g. record keeping, ordering of supplies, monitoring equipment.
- Assisting with Health and Safety arrangements, with appropriate guidance and supervision, e.g. preparing Permits to Work.
What we are looking for:
- GCSE in English, mathematics and science (grade C and above) or equivalent.
- Practical experience in a laboratory setting.
- Practical experience of washing and disinfecting glass/plasticware.
- Practical experience in operating an autoclave and industrial dishwasher.
- IT literate, with knowledge of Microsoft packages including Excel, Word & Outlook.
- Regard for Health and Safety and security at all times.
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise work and organise a busy schedule.
- Ability to maintain reliable records, with good attention to detail.
- Ability to work on own or as part of a team.
- Ability to interact well with a wide range of people.
- Willingness to learn necessary laboratory skills e.g. general solution and media preparation and undertake training.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to work within a dynamic clinical research department focussing on infectious disease research.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
This is a full‑time, open‑ended post (35 hours per week).
Laboratory Support Assistant employer: SONICOM
Join a world-leading institution at the Hammersmith Hospital Campus, where as a Laboratory Support Assistant, you will be part of a dynamic clinical research department dedicated to infectious disease research. Enjoy a sector-leading salary, 41 days of annual leave, and a flexible working policy from day one, all within a diverse and inclusive work culture that prioritises your personal and professional wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Support Assistant
✨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 SONICOM, 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 SONICOM, 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 SONICOM.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Support Assistant
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 SONICOM.
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 Support Assistant at SONICOM.
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 SONICOM.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨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 SONICOM.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at SONICOM 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!
