Laboratory Technician - Plant Biology Institute

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Qualification in a related field up to BSc (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics).
• Experience in laboratory maintenance and familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and a focus on organization 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.

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

• 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.

Ellison Institute of Technology