Glasswash Technician - Generative Biology Institute

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Oxford seeks a proactive Glasswash Technician to ensure laboratories are stocked with clean, sterile glassware. The ideal candidate will have GCSEs in English and Mathematics, experience in laboratory support, and strong attention to detail. This role supports groundbreaking research in health, sustainability, and technology.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Therapy Services

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a laboratory support role.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately.
• Understanding of sterilization and safe handling of lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Wash, sterilize, and redistribute laboratory glassware.
• Operate and maintain glasswashing equipment.
• Maintain stock levels and accurate records of sterilization cycles.

Skills

Laboratory hygiene

Attention to detail

Time-management

Team collaboration

Education

GCSEs in English and Mathematics

Tools

Autoclaves

Glasswashers

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

A cornerstone of EIT mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

GBI are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Glasswash Technicianto join our technical support team and play a key role in enabling world-class research. In this hands-on and highly valued position, you’ll ensure our laboratories are consistently stocked with clean, sterile, and safe glassware and consumables, keeping research running smoothly and safely. Your work will directly impact the success of pioneering research across health, sustainability, and technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect, wash, sterilize, and redistribute laboratory glassware, plastics, and other consumables according to the required standard operating procedure and research requirements.
• Operate and maintain glasswashers, autoclaves, and associated equipment, carrying out routine checks and reporting faults promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles, equipment logs, and stock levels of cleaning/sterilization supplies.
• Verify the sterilization process through testing and validation methods, ensuring all items are free from bacteria, viruses and pathogens.
• Preparation of sterile research materials for experiments (pipettes, tubes, petri dishes).
• Manage and maintain stock levels required for equipment and cleaning tools, request supplies and liaise with procurement.
• Regularly conduct stock takes to ensure all materials are in date.
• Respond to the scientific request and support experimental plan execution.
• Maintain accurate records, including batch numbers to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Adhere strictly to health & safety regulations, SOPs of Generative Biology Institute, including the correct use of PPE
• Contribute to good housekeeping practices in service areas, ensuring they are clean, safe, and well organized.
• Provide a reliable and efficient glasswashing service that supports the smooth running of research laboratories

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• Previous experience in a laboratory support, technical services, or a related scientific role in research, academic, or industrial laboratory environment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to interpret scientific experimental design.
• Understanding of laboratory hygiene, sterilization, and safe handling of laboratory glassware and plastics.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements, including COSHH, biohazard handling, and correct use of autoclaves and dishwasher.
• Good organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a busy research environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and service-focused approach.
• Physical ability to undertake manual handling tasks (e.g. loading/unloading equipment, moving glassware).
• Basic IT skills to log workloads, maintain equipment records, or report maintenance issues.
• Knowledge of safe disposal procedures in a laboratory setting.
• Willingness and aptitude to undertake additional technical training relevant to laboratory support.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.