Cleaning and Sterilisation Technician

UKRI International; England; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell is seeking a reliable technician to support daily facility operations. You will help keep laboratories and animal holding areas clean and well-maintained, and you will prepare, sterilise and supply equipment and consumables as required.

This full-time role involves operating specialist equipment, adhering to SOPs, and supporting teams across the Mary Lyon Centre facilities.

Qualifications

• Essential: Basic literacy and numeracy with ability to follow procedures.
• Essential: Computer literacy and willingness to use required systems.
• Desirable: Forklift truck licence.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity across lab and admin areas.
• Maintain laboratory replenishment, including bottle filling, diet and bedding, and sterilised equipment.
• Operate autoclave, robotic systems, and tunnel washer; troubleshoot as needed.
• Monitor consumables and stock rotation/expiry dates.
• Work safely according to SOPs and risk assessments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Flexibility

Safety awareness

Education

Basic literacy and numeracy

Computer literacy

Forklift truck licence

Job description

Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Salary: £27,406 per annum

Band: MRC-6a S2

Contract type: Open ended

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire

Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026

Overall Purpose:

We are looking for a reliable and proactive technician to play an important role in the day-to-day operation of our facility. The post-holder will help ensure that our laboratories and animal holding areas are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity. They will be responsible for preparing, sterilising and supplying the equipment and consumables required by teams working within the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC).

This is a practical role that would suit a collaborative individual who is comfortable in operating specialist equipment while following established procedures.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• Help maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity across laboratory and administrative areas
• Maintain laboratory replenishment to satisfactory levels, including bottle filling, diet and bedding replacement and provision of sterilised equipment
• Operate automated and semi-automated machinery such as autoclave, robotic systems and tunnel washer; troubleshooting problems as they arise and seeking advice where appropriate
• Monitor consumables and stocks, ensuring effective management of stock rotation and expiry dates
• Work safely and consistently in accordance with thelocal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk Assessments

Working Relationships:

Part of a team working under the supervision of senior personnel.

Additional Information:

Must be able to work overtime on a rota basis.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills with the ability to follow instructions and operating procedures
• Computer literate with the confidence and willingness to use relevant systems as required

Desirable:

• Forklift truck licence

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• Experience of working in a practical role where maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene was essential
• Previous experience of working in a busy environment and ability to manage individual and team priorities

Desirable:

• Experience of preparing and processing equipment for cleaning and sterilisation
• Experience of operating automated machinery or equipment
• Experience in effective management of consumables, stock rotations and expiry dates

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Understands the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Experience of working with safety and caution while using basic cleaning equipment

Desirable:

• Experience of working in accordance with SOPs, Risk Assessments or other written procedures

Experience in operating machinery, although appropriate training will be provided

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

• A positive and collaborative approach to teamwork, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to the effective running of the team
• Good communication skills with the ability to have productive and collaborative discussions with colleagues
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure tasks are completed accurately with minimal errors
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, including lifting and handling bags of food and bedding weighing up to 12.5 kg
• Flexibility approach to working in different areas of the MLC
• Willingness to work flexibly with overtime hours to meet operational demands

Equality & Diversity

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all.Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements

Code of Conduct

Equality and Diversity policy

Health and Safety policy

Data Protection and Security policy

The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.