Laboratory Technician in Harwell

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future. The Institute brings together researchers in life and physical sciences, and engineering, to develop a spectrum of tools which we will use to image, interpret and intervene in biological systems. These insights will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease.

As a Laboratory Technician at the Franklin, you will be responsible for supporting laboratory-based scientific investigations, by carrying out routine technical tasks and assisting with basic experiments to ensure the smooth running of the labs. You will be part of a team of support technicians, helping to deliver a high-quality laboratory support service across the Institute's Biology laboratories.

The role combines scientific and laboratory support activities. You will assist researchers with routine tissue culture maintenance and protein purification by following established protocols and standard operating procedures. You will be expected to manage multiple routine laboratory tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards of accuracy and organisation.

The laboratory support aspects of the role include:

• Ordering consumables
• Waste management
• Media and reagent preparation
• Equipment maintenance
• Health and safety activities
• General laboratory housekeeping

You will also contribute to specialist technical support, including cell culture, instrument maintenance, laboratory inductions, and documentation. Appropriate training will be provided where required. Your work will contribute to the Institute's mission of delivering world-leading research in the physical and biological sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Support routine protein purification activities by following established protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures, including routine passaging, media preparation, cryopreservation, and management of liquid nitrogen stocks.
• Assist with general laboratory operations by maintaining a clean, safe, organised, and well-stocked working environment, including communal laboratory areas and shared equipment.
• Safely manage laboratory waste, including operating glass washers and autoclaves.
• Prepare routine laboratory reagents, media, buffers, and stock solutions.
• Contribute to the preparation and updating of risk assessments (RAs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and support laboratory users in following safe working practices.
• Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities and, where appropriate, contribute data for reports, publications, and scientific presentations.
• Support laboratory inductions and provide guidance on aseptic techniques and tissue culture best practice following training.
• Participate in routine laboratory inspections and contribute to maintaining compliance with health and safety and quality standards.
• Assist with basic scientific procedures e.g. cell cultures, microscopy and standard biochemical procedures.
• Store and organise samples and record results in a clear and concise way.
• Maintain equipment including washing, sterilisation and disposal.
• Perform quality checks and contribute to the general cleanliness and upkeep of the lab space.
• Record experimental methods and results and prepare reports to present to researchers or senior members of staff.
• Provide assistance with the day to day running of the lab.
• Participate in training and supervision of research students using the laboratory.
• Take responsibility with others for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory.
• Take responsibility with others for ensuring that work in the laboratory is conducted safely and in accordance with local health and safety policies.
• Train staff or students in proper procedures, be alert for poor laboratory practice and supportively intervene when noted.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer's contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Buying and Selling Annual Leave
• Workplace Nursery
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

The Franklin's underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs.

To be considered for this role, please upload a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 16th August 2026.