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- Tasks: Prepare and sterilise laboratory media and glassware to support vital research.
- Company: Join the Babraham Institute, a leader in scientific support and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic lab environment with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that enables groundbreaking research while honing your practical skills.
- Qualifications: Good literacy and numeracy skills; experience in practical environments is a plus.
- Other info: This role focuses on operational support, not research, ensuring a clear career path.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Laboratory Media and Sterilisation Technician to join the Media Preparation and Glassware Sterilisation team at the Babraham Institute (BI). This is a practical, hands‑on operational role supporting essential laboratory services across three BI Science Buildings.
Duties include:
- Preparing, dispensing and sterilising microbiological media and laboratory solutions;
- Washing, drying and sterilising glassware and plasticware;
- Supporting the fortnightly laboratory laundry service;
- Replenishing hygiene consumables;
- Maintaining accurate records for autoclaves, glasswashers and media batches.
The role also involves daily operational coordination with colleagues to ensure timely availability of sterile items, consumables and solutions required for ongoing laboratory research. This is a scientific support role with the primary aim of enabling researchers to carry out their work safely and efficiently. The post holder will be expected to be an active and flexible member of the team with good communication skills, a positive approach, and strong organisational ability.
Applicants should have good literacy and numeracy skills (ideally GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics). Experience of working in a practical, process‑driven environment such as laboratory support, facilities, production, NHS sterile services, hospitality or warehouse operations would be advantageous. IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, file systems) are desirable.
Important: This is not a research role and does not involve experimental work or progression into research posts. It is an operational technical post supporting scientific facilities.
Application requirement:
Please include a tailored cover letter (max 1 page) explaining (1) why this role interests you, (2) how your experience suits practical, process‑driven work, and (3) your understanding that this is an operational support role, not a research position. Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter may not be shortlisted.
A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy. The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 12th April, 2026. However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received. The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.
The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.
Laboratory Media & Sterilisation Technician (Technical Services) in Cambridge employer: The Babraham Institute
Contact Detail:
The Babraham Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Media & Sterilisation Technician (Technical Services) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Babraham Institute! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Plus, it could give you an inside edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to laboratory support roles. Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the Laboratory Media & Sterilisation Technician position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Media & Sterilisation Technician (Technical Services) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for this role. Highlight why you're interested in the Laboratory Media and Sterilisation Technician position and how your past experiences align with the practical, process-driven work we do at the Babraham Institute.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have in similar environments, like laboratory support or sterile services. We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for this operational support role.
Understand the Role: Clearly convey your understanding that this is not a research position. We’re looking for someone who gets that this role is all about supporting our researchers by ensuring they have the sterile items and solutions they need to carry out their work efficiently.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity at the Babraham Institute.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Babraham Institute
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Laboratory Media and Sterilisation Technician. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like preparing microbiological media and sterilising glassware. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Think about your past experiences that align with this operational support role. Whether it’s working in a laboratory, NHS sterile services, or any process-driven environment, be ready to share specific examples. Highlight how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed for this position.
✨Communicate Clearly and Positively
Good communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. During the interview, maintain a positive attitude and show that you’re a team player. Use examples to illustrate how you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues in previous roles.
✨Prepare Your Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, daily operations, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.