Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and organised Laboratory Assistant to join the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford. Supporting a busy research laboratory, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operation of laboratory facilities, helping to create a safe, efficient and well‑maintained environment that enables world‑leading research.
Working as part of the laboratory management team, you will coordinate routine maintenance activities, monitor laboratory equipment and consumables, and support the organisation of laboratory spaces and facilities. You will liaise with researchers, contractors and service providers to ensure equipment is maintained and repairs are completed promptly. The role also includes supporting laboratory housekeeping, waste management, stock control, freezer monitoring, and maintaining high standards of health and safety across the laboratory environment. This is a varied and hands‑on role offering the opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary research community, contributing to the efficient running of laboratories that support innovative biomedical research.
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term contract initially for 1 year with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programs. The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world‑leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development.
Responsibilities
- Ensure smooth day‑to‑day operation of laboratory facilities
- Coordinate routine maintenance activities and monitor laboratory equipment and consumables
- Support the organisation of laboratory spaces and facilities
- Liaise with researchers, contractors and service providers to ensure timely maintenance and repairs
- Support laboratory housekeeping, waste management, stock control, freezer monitoring and high standards of health and safety
- Take ownership of responsibilities, identify opportunities for service improvement and contribute to maintaining an environment where research can thrive
Qualifications
- Previous experience supporting laboratory, facilities or building operations
- Organisational skills to manage a varied workload in a busy environment
- Good understanding of health and safety practices
- Experience using Microsoft Office
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of colleagues, contractors and laboratory users
- Proactive, reliable team member with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently using own initiative
- Well‑organised and adaptable, take pride in maintaining high standards across laboratory facilities and committed to supporting a safe, efficient and collaborative research environment
- Experience of laboratory or building maintenance, stock management, equipment servicing or relevant health and safety training would be advantageous
Benefits
- Full‑time, fixed‑term contract initially 1 year with potential for extension based on external funding
- Up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and opportunities for additional training funding
- University of Oxford wellbeing resources
- Weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions, and a choir
- Financial assistance towards visa renewal fees for staff on work visas
- Recognition through the Department of Paediatrics Athena Swan Gold award for gender equality and professional development support
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