Assistant Laboratory Technician

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK university in Guildford is seeking a part-time Autoclave Lab Technician to manage laboratory waste. The role entails daily operation of autoclaves, ensuring safety and efficiency, and requires strong organizational skills. Ideal for candidates with prior lab experience, the position offers generous benefits including pension and travel perks. Training provided. Apply with a CV and cover letter on the university's website.

Benefits

Generous pension and annual leave

Travel and family benefits

Discounted sports membership

On-site parking and cafes

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a lab, food industry, catering, or medical care.
• Ability to undertake manual handling of materials.
• Capacity to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Collect biological waste from laboratories daily.
• Operate waste autoclaves and glass washers.
• Ensure reliable, customer-friendly service.

Skills

Experience in laboratory environment

Understanding of Health & Safety

Practical and methodical approach

Good time management skills

Job description

The role

We are looking to recruit an Autoclave lab technician (part-time post at 0.6FTE which is 21.6 hours per week) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey.

Under the direction of the Senior Laboratory Technician, you will support operation of high-throughput decontamination and processing of laboratory waste materials as well as occasionally providing support to and working with other laboratory technicians within the school of Biosciences & Medicine.

Key duties include:

• Daily collection of biological waste from teaching and research laboratories
• Daily operation of waste autoclaves and glass washers
• Achieving efficient turnaround times for reusable lab equipment
• Working with the team to ensure a reliable, customer‑friendly service

About you

Ideally, you have experience of working in either laboratory environment, food industry, catering, medical or social care and have a good understanding of the Health & Safety aspects of working with contaminated materials. Candidates returning from a career break, or parental leavers are encouraged to apply. Full training will be given on the relevant aspects of lab safety, chemical handling and biosafety involved.

Key to this role is a practical and methodical approach to work, ability to undertake manual handling of materials and an ability to work independently and have good time management skills.

Benefits

• Generous pension and annual leave entitlement
• Travel & Family benefits including subsidised rail fare, cycle to work scheme and on‑site nursery
• An exclusive discounted membership package to the Surrey Sports Park
• On‑site parking, cafes, and restaurants

The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.

We acknowledge, understand and embrace diversity.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV & cover letter with your application on the university website, also answering the criteria questions.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 10th December 2025.

Further details

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share & blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world‑class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes & supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on‑site nursery.

£14,811 to £16,391 actual salary, per annum (0.6 FTE)

Janani Walipitiya ([e-mail]) or Jana Baron ([e-mail]).