Glassware and Media Prep Technician - Plant Biology Institute

This role is responsible for the preparation and sterilisation of culture media and solution, cleaning of laboratory glassware, and operation of glassware washers, autoclaves and related equipment in accordance with approved SOPs and safety standards. The successful candidate will maintain accurate records, monitor stock levels, support regulatory compliance (including COSHH and GM requirements), and ensure high standards of housekeeping and Good Laboratory Practice. By providing reliable technical support and maintaining a consistent supply of sterile materials and consumables, this position is integral to the smooth running of laboratory and plant research workflows and the delivery of high-quality scientific outcomes.

Working in a dynamic and fast-paced research environment, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise effectively. With practical laboratory experience, they will play a vital role in enabling high-quality research by delivering reliable technical support and maintaining operational efficiency across PBI laboratories.

Your Responsibilities:

Prepare a wide range of microbiological and plant tissue culture media, buffers, agar plates, and specialised growth solutions in accordance with approved SOPs and research requirements Operate autoclaves and other sterilisation equipment, performing routine checks and promptly reporting faults Ensure correct preparation, handling, labelling, storage, and distribution of media to prevent contamination and maintain quality standards Maintain accurate records of media preparation, sterilisation cycles, batch numbers, and stock levels to ensure regulatory compliance Assist with completing and updating a wide range of safety documentation Manage and monitor stock levels of reagents and consumables, conducting regular expiry checks and ordering as required Maintain safe handling, segregation, and disposal of contaminated and non-contaminated materials in line with biosafety, GM regulations, COSHH, and institutional health & safety policies Conduct routine laboratory cleaning and waste collection and disposal Support laboratory workflows by ensuring a consistent and timely supply of media and materials Collect, wash, sterilise (autoclave), and restock laboratory glassware to maintain operational efficiency Clean, maintain, and report issues with media preparation equipment, including autoclaves, refrigerators, storage facilities, and automated plate pourers Troubleshoot and resolve quality control issues related to media preparation and sterilisation processes Maintain high standards of housekeeping and good laboratory practice (GLP) Provide technical support to scientific staff, assisting with experimental support and responding to research requests

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

5x GCSE's or equivalent Experience in laboratory support, technical services, or a related role within an academic, research, or industrial laboratory is required, with plant handling experience desirable but not essential Ability to follow SOPs accurately and consistently Practical experience preparing, sterilising, and handling laboratory media, buffers, and solutions (e.g. plant tissue culture, microbiological, or biochemical media) Strong understanding of aseptic techniques and contamination control Knowledge of health & safety regulations, including COSHH, biohazard handling, autoclave safety, and laboratory quality assurance systems Awareness of regulatory requirements associated with GM organisms (training can be provided if required)

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Ability to safely perform manual handling tasks and operate laboratory equipment such as automated culture media plate pourer Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy research environment Basic IT skills for maintaining records, inventory, and maintenance logs Willingness to undertake additional training to expand technical expertise Well organised, able to prioritise tasks, and comfortable managing multiple responsibilities in a busy lab setting

Benefits

Our Benefits:

Salary dependent on experience + travel allowance + bonus Enhanced holiday + options to buy additional days Pension Life Assurance Income Protection Private Medical Insurance Hospital Cash Plan Therapy Services Perk Box Electric Car Scheme Childcare benefit

Working Together - What It Involves:

You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate)