Senior Lab Technician

Job Title: Senior Technician (Insect)Reporting to: Research scientistLocation: Milton park, UK_______________________________________________________________Oxitec Ltd, a UK-based biotechnology company developing biologically-engineered solutions designed to combat disease-transmitting and crop-destroying insects, is hiring for a number of positions for various programs around the world, including in the United Kingdom (Oxford area) and Brazil. Purpose of the jobWe are seeking a highly motivated and capable senior technician to join a dynamic project team dedicated to the research and development of our self-limiting technology in insect species that damage crops. This position involves the technical support of our insect teams that ranges from maintaining our insect colonies and/or laboratory equipment to running experiments, as well as helping to maintain a safe and functional working environment.The successful candidate will have a keen interest in insect biology, have a self-starting attitude, show strong organisational skills, and demonstrate original thinking and attention to detail. Experience working in a biological sciences laboratory, and insect rearing experience are desirable to help provide technical support within our R&D team, to meet our project objectives and company goals. Team-orientation and flexibility in duties are essential. The successful candidate will be able to work independently while maintaining a strong team ethos, demonstrate good laboratory practices, and can follow SOPs. Good communication skills and an enthusiasm for Oxitec’s mission are essential.ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the role are to include:Insect relatedMaintaining colonies of multiple insect strains for use in experiments and as part of business continuityBasic insect handlingInsect diet preparationGeneral· Running experiments according to specified protocols· Data entry and preliminary analysis· Writing and updating SOPs and risk assessments· Assisting with maintaining up to date health and safety records· Preparation and maintenance of laboratory stock solutions, supplies and equipment· Stock-taking and ordering laboratory supplies· Assisting with laboratory maintenance (reporting and problem-solving facilities issues, accompanying site engineers etc)· Cleaning and organising work areas· Training staff as required in line with training records· Providing occasional weekend support as part of a rota within the R&D team· Follow Health & Safety and containment requirements for all activities· May or may not have line management responsibilities, which includes inducting staff, developing and nurturing staff, setting daily work agendas, ensuring that the team adheres to safety and containment requirementsKey Qualifications and Skills· Educated to A-level or demonstrating technical abilities appropriate for the role· A keen interest in insect biology desirable· Diligent and organised, with data recording abilities· Have an attention to detail· Able to work independently and within a team· Good written English and oral communication skills and a diligent attitude· Competent in MS Word, Excel and OutlookKey Experience· A track record of working successfully both in a team and individually· Experience of working in a biological sciences laboratory is essential, insect rearing expertise is preferredCompany BenefitsGroup Pension Plan: You put in 3%, the Company will match it to 6%; 4% and 8%; 5% and 10%. Group Income Protection Cycle to Work Scheme Death in Service: Four times salary paid to your beneficiaries.Discretionary Bonus Scheme: Based on personal and Company performance, up to 10% of salary.25 days holiday per year plus English Bank HolidaysFree fresh fruit delivered twice weekly Milton Park is a premium business park and a great place to work with onsite café, shops, pharmacy, hairdresser and post office.Milton Park Community BenefitsFree Parking Onsite Subsidised Gym Membership Costa 10% Discount Cards for Milton Gate Shuttle bus from Didcot railway station @ £20 per year