Laboratory Technician

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in genetics research is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Technician to manage its Drosophila food service. This vital role ensures that research teams receive high-quality fly food on time, supporting world-class genetic studies. The technician will supervise staff, maintain food quality, and manage supplies, all while contributing to a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong organisational and communication skills, and a background in biology is preferred. Join a team that values diversity and inclusion, and help advance scientific research in a supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings with a focus on food preparation.
• Ability to manage and supervise staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality fly food to research groups.
• Monitor supply levels and oversee reordering processes.
• Supervise staff in food production and kitchen maintenance.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Supervision

Quality Control

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field

Job description

The Department of Genetics Fly Facility is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly organised Laboratory Technician to run its Drosophila (fruit fly) food service. The service provides food to most of the Drosophila research groups in Cambridge, as well as to the Fly Facility's stock-keeping service. The Laboratory Technician role is vital, as the university's world-class Drosophila research ultimately relies upon the availability of fresh, high-quality fly food.

Central to the role is ensuring that research groups receive their fly food orders in a timely fashion, and that the food is of a consistently high quality. To achieve this, the technician must make daily decisions about the quantity and type of food to cook and oversee the distribution of prepared food to the groups. They need to monitor food quality and to communicate with service users about food production.

The technician is responsible for supervising other Fly Facility staff who assist with fly food production and with the organisation and maintenance of the fly kitchen. They are required to keep these staff aware of food preparation schedules, changes in lab procedures, and safety compliance.

Since there is a constant demand for fly food, it is important that the facility does not run short of ingredients and other supplies. The technician is responsible for monitoring supply levels, predicting future requirements and overseeing the reordering process.

The technician also contributes to the Fly Facility's stock keeping service. The service maintains living fly stock collections for research groups in Cambridge and beyond. This is a significant responsibility as many of the fly stocks are difficult to replace or even unique. The technician is part of a Fly Facility team that is collectively responsible for delivering the facility's services and provides a supportive working environment.

Please note, a valid driving license is desirable for this role to assist with the delivery of fly stocks to local laboratories using a delivery van.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Simon Collier [e-mail]

Please quote reference PC45898 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

• Further Particulars
  
  

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