At a Glance
- Tasks: Support scientists by distributing supplies and maintaining lab equipment in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leading research hub in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time hours, training opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on lab experience while contributing to impactful scientific research.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education required; no prior lab experience necessary as training is provided.
- Other info: Part-time role (25 hours/week) with a contract lasting until March 2028.
The predicted salary is between 18600 - 26000 £ per year.
The successful applicant will work as part of a Laboratory Support Department covering the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing an essential service to John Innes Centre scientists.
Duties for this role will include distribution of sterile media and supplies, washing, drying and distribution of laboratory glassware and preparation of sterile and non-sterile consumables. The post holder will also be responsible for maintaining communal consumable stocks and carrying out practical tasks designated by the building laboratory supervisor.
Key Relationships
Laboratory attendants are deployed to JIC science buildings as required by the laboratory supervisors. The local supervisor will be responsible for the day to day management of the attendant. Laboratory attendants work with all levels of staff including science staff and students, stores, purchasing, facilities and other staff members in NBI Partnership Ltd.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage Collection, washing and distribution of lab-ware 30 Maintaining communal consumable stocks 20 Preparation and distribution of sterile lab-ware and consumables 20 Use of lab equipment, including washers, drying cabinets etc. as required 20 As agreed with the line manager or building supervisor, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 10
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance Educated to GCSE level or equivalent; including Maths and English’ Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance Competent in computer skills and file sharing systems Essential Understanding of quality assurance (QA) Desirable Good understanding of general Health and Safety requirements for laboratory environments Desirable
Requirement Importance Previous laboratory experience Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the institute; promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the institute Essential
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Laboratory Support Attendant
Salary: £23,493 pro rata, per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 20 months, part time (25 hours)
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 3 July 2025
Reference: 1004902
The John Innes Centre (JIC) is seeking applications for a Laboratory Support Attendant to provide essential support to science staff within the main science buildings at the John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet , sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
About the Department:
The successful applicants will work as part of a Laboratory Support team covering the three main science buildings across the John Innes Centre, providing essential support to John Innes Centre scientists.
The role:
Duties will include distribution of sterile media and supplies, washing, drying and distribution of laboratory glassware and preparation of sterile and non-sterile consumables. The post holder will also be responsible for maintaining communal consumable stocks and carrying out practical tasks designated by the building laboratory supervisor.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in maintaining scientific equipment such as autoclaves, washers etc and build on experience of working in a laboratory environment.
The ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent; including Maths and English.
We are seeking to appoint a proactive and enthusiastic individual with good organisational, time management and interpersonal skills who will be able to integrate well within a varied team.
Full training in all necessary tasks will be given.
This post is expected to last until the end of the funding cycle, which is predicted to be 31st March 2028
Additional information:
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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Laboratory Support Attendant employer: The John Innes Centre
Contact Detail:
The John Innes Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Support Attendant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Laboratory Support Attendant. Understanding tasks like washing and distributing lab-ware or maintaining consumable stocks will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees at the John Innes Centre. Engaging with them can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational and time management skills in conversations. Since these are essential for the role, be ready to share examples from past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working in a laboratory environment. Expressing a genuine interest in supporting scientific research and contributing to the team can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Support Attendant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Laboratory Support Attendant role. Emphasise any previous laboratory experience, attention to detail, and your ability to follow instructions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the John Innes Centre. Mention specific duties from the job description that excite you and explain how your background makes you a great fit for the team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your computer skills, time management abilities, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or independently in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Laboratory Support Attendant. Understand the importance of tasks like washing and distributing lab-ware, maintaining consumable stocks, and preparing sterile supplies. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have previous laboratory experience, be sure to mention it during the interview. Discuss any relevant skills or tasks you've performed that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as using lab equipment or following Standard Operating Procedures.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with scientists and other staff, emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles, highlighting your interpersonal skills and communication abilities.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in a laboratory setting. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work, whether it's through careful preparation of materials or adherence to safety protocols. Providing specific examples can help illustrate your commitment to quality.