Senior Technician

Senior Technician

Position Summary: The Research Platforms team, within the Research Infrastructure Section of Kew Science, provides researchers with access to shared high‑cost equipment platforms such as electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, flow cytometry and centralised in‑vitro biology platforms. The Senior Technician will support these platforms on a demand‑driven basis and contribute to the smooth running of the facilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization and efficient workflow.
• Assist with training of staff and students on equipment and protocols.
• Provide maintenance support for specialised scientific equipment, including imaging platforms (light and electron microscopy; flow cytometry) and in‑vitro biology platforms.
• Support other laboratory staff in the Core Facilities team, including seed biology and molecular biology.
• Keep accurate records and adhere to laboratory safety regulations such as COSHH.
• Handle lifting and moving tasks, including deliveries, equipment, gas cylinders and liquid nitrogen tanks.

Qualifications

• Minimum level 3 qualification (e.g. A levels) or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in a technical or scientific role, or demonstrated practical knowledge gained through work experience.
• Highly organized, able to handle multiple requests from researchers.
• Strong record‑keeping skills and commitment to maintaining a clean, tidy laboratory.
• Working knowledge of laboratory regulations (e.g. COSHH) and best practices.
• Ability to learn new techniques and apply them in new areas following training.
• Interpersonal and influencing skills to maintain compliance among laboratory users; clear spoken and written communication.

Position Details

Full time, fixed‑term contract (1 year from 1 October 2026). Salary £34,216 per annum (Band C). Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond.

Benefits

• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support (cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted gym membership).
• Competitive pension.
• Employee discount scheme and free entry to national museums and galleries.
• Access to the gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are a disability‑confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.

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