At a Glance
- Tasks: Support quality assurance and hands-on lab work with innovative mosquito research.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, training opportunities, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research tackling malaria with cutting-edge genetic technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance and laboratory procedures is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 42505 - 47213 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a QA Laboratory and Insectary Technician to join the Translational 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 innovative genetic technologies to help reduce malaria transmission.
This unique role combines Quality Assurance (QA) responsibilities with hands-on laboratory and insectary activities within a highly regulated translational research environment. You will play an important role in supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of our Quality Management System (QMS), while also contributing to laboratory and insectary operations, including work with wild-type and genetically modified mosquito colonies.
Working closely with colleagues across quality, laboratory operations, insectary operations, biosafety, regulatory affairs and project management, you will help ensure that research activities are delivered to the highest standards of quality, compliance and scientific excellence.
What you would be doing
- You will support the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of quality systems across the TRTF, including document control, SOP development, audit preparation, management of deviations and CAPAs, and monitoring compliance with regulatory and project requirements.
- You will provide day-to-day support and guidance to staff on quality processes and help maintain training and quality records.
- Alongside your QA responsibilities, you will contribute to the effective operation of laboratory and insectary facilities, supporting the maintenance and monitoring of mosquito colonies, performing routine laboratory procedures, and assisting with molecular biology activities such as DNA extraction and PCR.
- You will ensure accurate and traceable record-keeping, prepare reagents and consumables, support equipment management and maintenance activities, and uphold high standards of health, safety, biosafety and containment.
- The role also offers opportunities to contribute to staff training, continuous improvement initiatives and collaborative projects that support the translation of innovative genetic technologies from research into real-world application.
What we are looking for
You will support the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of quality systems across the TRTF, including document control, SOP development, audit preparation, management of deviations and CAPAs, and monitoring compliance with regulatory and project requirements. You will provide day-to-day support and guidance to staff on quality processes and help maintain training and quality records.
Alongside your QA responsibilities, you will contribute to the effective operation of laboratory and insectary facilities, supporting the maintenance and monitoring of mosquito colonies, performing routine laboratory procedures, and assisting with molecular biology activities such as DNA extraction and PCR. You will ensure accurate and traceable record-keeping, prepare reagents and consumables, support equipment management and maintenance activities, and uphold high standards of health, safety, biosafety and containment.
The role also offers opportunities to contribute to staff training, continuous improvement initiatives and collaborative projects that support the translation of innovative genetic technologies from research into real-world application.
What we can offer you
Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and offers a collaborative, inclusive and dynamic working environment. You will have the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering global health programme addressing one of the world's most significant infectious diseases while developing your expertise across quality assurance, laboratory science and insectary operations.
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.
Further information: Target Malaria (targetmalaria.org) is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). This role is for a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2029.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Carla Siniscalchi – c.siniscalchi@imperial.ac.uk
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
About Imperial: Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
QA Laboratory and Insectary Technician employer: SONICOM
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within its International Relations Office. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to engage with diverse global stakeholders, making it a rewarding place to contribute to impactful international initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Laboratory and Insectary Technician
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like SONICOM. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like SONICOM!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Laboratory and Insectary Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show SONICOM that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at SONICOM.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that SONICOM does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at SONICOM. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into SONICOM's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at SONICOM. This shows your passion for the industry!
