Laboratory Technician - Plant Biology Institute

Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support innovative plant science research. The role involves growing experimental plants, preparing reagents, and maintaining a safe lab environment. Candidates must have a BSc in a related field and prior experience in plant sciences. This position offers competitive salary and benefits in Oxford.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Travel allowance

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Prior experience in plant sciences is essential.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Grow and maintain experimental plants.
• Prepare reagents and samples for experiments.
• Assist in data collection and inventory management.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc in Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Genetics

Job description

About EIT

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity's most challenging problems. 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.

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

About The Plant Biology Institute

The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.

The Plant Biology Institute will unite world-class researchers who are focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science. Our research is focused on enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production. By embedding cutting-edge plant science research within an organisation that is focused on solving global challenges at scale, we aim to accelerate the timeline from discovery to global impact.

Areas of exploration include:

• Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outside
• Reduced reliance on inputs including water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides
• Novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines
• Advanced technologies that speed up discovery and deployment in plants

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and plant growth facilities and have opportunities to collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem. They will also work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation, and impact creation. The Plant Biology Institute has long-term substantial funding to support the unique scale and ambition of its vision.

EIT is seeking detail-oriented and proactive Laboratory Technicians to provide essential laboratory and experimental support within its innovative Plant Sciences research programmes. This role involves hands-on responsibility for cultivating experimental plants, preparing reagents, and supporting a range of molecular biology, tissue culture, and microbial techniques. The successful candidate will assist with data collection, maintain accurate records, and uphold rigorous laboratory safety and maintenance standards.

With responsibilities spanning inventory management, equipment upkeep, and sample handling, this position is integral to the smooth operation of research workflows and the delivery of high-quality scientific outcomes. Prior experience in plant sciences is essential, as the role requires a solid understanding of plant cultivation, physiology, and experimental techniques relevant to plant research.

Ideal candidates will bring technical competence, strong organisational skills, and a collaborative mindset to support breakthrough research aligned with EIT's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Support

• Grow and maintain experimental plants under controlled conditions (growth chambers)
• Prepare reagents, buffers and transformation constructs as required.
• Prepare plant and microbial samples, including culture media, inoculations, and controlled environment setups
• Assist with and perform standard biochemical assays
• Maintain and propagate tissue culture materials under sterile conditions. Assist in the transformation of plant tissues
• Assist in the culture and maintenance of plant or microbial cells in a variety of systems. Support upstream and downstream processing steps including inoculation, growth monitoring, and harvesting of cultures, sampling extraction and preparation for analysis
• Molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plasmid prep etc to support genetic characterization of plant and microbial strains
• Prepare sterile media and maintain aseptic conditions for cell-based cultures. Operate and monitor small scale bioreactors or fermenters

Laboratory Support and Maintenance

• Keep the laboratory clean and organised, including regularly cleaning benches, instruments, and common spaces.
• Ensure that all equipment is properly stored, calibrated, and maintained. Assist with equipment setup and basic troubleshooting.
• Disinfect and sterilise laboratory tools, consumables, and areas according to established protocols.
• Ensure that laboratory safety standards are adhered to, including proper handling and disposal of waste materials.
• Comply with GMO regulations, biosafety procedures and plant quarantine protocols

Data collection and Record Keeping

• Accurately record experimental procedures and data in laboratory notebooks or digital systems
• Support data analysis through organisation of datasets, labelling of samples, and contribution to experimental summaries

Inventory Management

• Assist in managing inventory of reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies in accordance with EIT procedures.
• Keep accurate records of inventory levels, assist with ordering new stock, and ensure that supplies are replenished in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all reagents and materials are correctly labelled, stored, and easily accessible for workflows.

Sample and Equipment Handling

• Assist with the transport and preparation of biological samples, ensuring that proper documentation and labelling procedures are followed.
• Deliver and retrieve samples and materials between different laboratory sections as needed.
• Handle and deliver consumables or samples to designated researchers or technical teams

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Qualification in a related field up to BSc (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics)
• Experience in laboratory maintenance in a Plant Sciences setting and familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and a focus on organisation and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain accurate records.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and handle multiple tasks.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices and handling of biological materials.
• Comfortable with lifting and moving supplies and equipment, as well as standing for extended periods.

Benefits

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Competitive salary + bonus + travel allowance
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric 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