Laboratory Technician - 2 year Fixed Term

Vernalis; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Private healthcare

26 days annual leave

Holiday purchase scheme

Flexitime

Discretionary bonus

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Vernalis Cambridge laboratory-based role supporting day-to-day operations of our drug discovery labs. You will handle stock, prepare media, assist with assays and data recording, ensuring safety and hygiene procedures are followed.

The role suits proactive individuals with strong communication, attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a dynamic research environment. Full-time hours; generous benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience is desirable.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic research setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient with IT systems and software such as Microsoft Excel and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the smooth running of the laboratories

Skills

Laboratory experience

Deadline driven

Communication

Excel & Teams

Tools

Excel

Teams

Job description

Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in fragment and structure-based drug discovery.

Our scientists develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.

The Role

This laboratory-based position plays an integral role in the operational support of laboratories at Vernalis and aids the work of our teams and the smooth running of the associated drug discovery projects. This role will be responsible for conducting a range of standard laboratory-based and stock-taking activities while adhering to the daily hygiene and health and safety protocols of the laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring the smooth running of the laboratories
• Working and liaising with multiple Research departments
• Ensuring essential chemicals, solvents, reagents and consumables are kept at appropriate levels by diligent stocktaking, ordering and storage
• Conducting routine laboratory support activities such as preparing media,
• autoclaving, glassware wash-up and hazardous waste disposal in line with government regulations and in-house procedures
• Planning, setting up and undertaking controlled experiments such as large-scale bacterial culturing and harvesting as the team requires
• Undertaking compound registration, accurate and safe weighing of milligram to gram quantities of solid compound samples and correct compound storage using sample management systems and informatics tools
• Assisting with maintenance and inspection of lab equipment
• Assisting with routine steps in sample preparation and assays, as requiredPreparation of liquid samples for assays and analysis
• Recording of data and procedural information in an electronic lab notebook
• Preparation, packing, documenting and tracking of outgoing compound sample shipments and taking receipt of incoming shipments, unpacking, storing and registering
• Performing housekeeping duties relevant to daily hygiene and safety of the
• laboratories

Experience

Previous technical experience within a laboratory-based environment is desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic research setting
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• High attention to detail and able to multitask and prioritise
• Proficient with IT systems and software such as Microsoft Excel and Teams

The Person

• Enthusiastic, reliable with a conscientious attitude
• Proactive, with a desire to take responsibility
• Comfortable to ask questions and consult with senior employees and team members for clarification when uncertain
• Willingness to embrace new technologies and carry out improvements to working practice

Why Vernalis?

At Vernalis you will be part of 'One Team' working in a friendly and collaborative office.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave for a full-time position plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies.

Whilst we are advertising this vacancy as a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) we would also like to hear from you if you prefer to work 5 shorter days, Monday to Friday as other working patterns can be considered.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.