General Assistant

About Us

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground-breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably, and safely control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that pests pose to human health and the global food supply.

Whilst what we do relates to developing pest control technologies, Oxitec is about people and is in service to people.

We are strongly committed to a set of values, principles, and behaviours, and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability. Click here to learn more, and here to read our CEO's blog about trust and our culture.

Purpose of the Job

Under the direction of the Facilities department, the General Assistant is an essential role in providing support to Oxitec's laboratory and facilities functions. In particular, you will support the Research and Development and Quality teams ensuring they operate in a clean and well managed environment.

General Assistants are responsible for ensuring that all laboratories and rearing equipment are clean, well maintained, and functional. Work must be carried out in line with Health & Safety guidelines to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Responsibilities can vary by project and you may be asked to support any of the scientific or facilities teams depending on the needs of the day.

Responsibilities

• Organisingnstored laboratory and insect rearing equipment, ensuring the equipment is cleaned
  
  prior to storing

• Ensure that the laboratories maintain a high standard of cleanliness, and that the cleaning of floors and work surfaces is carried out regularly.

• Ensure that laboratory waste is correctly decontaminated and disposed.

• Organising and arrange for lab coats to be cleaned by laundry services and that delivery and collection times are in line with business needs and requirements.

• Ensure clean and fresh lab coats are well stocked and available for use in the lab areas.

• Ensuring that the storage fridges and freezers are regularly defrosted and cleaned.

• Monitor and manage inventory of solutions and chemicals, which are extensively used by the technical team.

• Responsible for environmental monitoring activities as guided by the Quality Assurance team.

• Record laboratory facility issues, or defective equipment in the laboratory books to be escalated to the Facilities Manager.

• Adhere to all Health & Safety, COSHH, Biosafety and containment requirements for all laboratory activities and ensuring H&S records are kept up to date.

• Ensure, chemical, clinical, and hazardous (sharps) are safely disposed in line with HSE regulations.

• Provide assistance to the Facilities Manager with basic Facilities actions e.g. building/lab checks, floor layouts, equipment ordering, minor repairs or admin.

• May be required to work occasional weekends, to provide support to the R&D and QA&QC teams, in line with the department's rota schedules.

Skills, Experience, and Education Requirements

• Educated to A-level or GCSE, with minimum C level inEnglish and Maths.

• Previous experience of working in a science-based environment is desirable but not essential.

• Ability to work independently and as a strong team player.

• Demonstrate flexibility with the ability to adapt to changing situations.

• Excellent timekeeping and responsiveness to urgent project requests.

• Strong communications skills with the ability to provide clear and concise information pertaining to laboratory matters.

• Highly organised and meticulous when planning work schedules.

• Good understanding of H&S processes and protocols (i.e. COSHH and Risk Assessments).

• A practical and proactive approach to work.

Behavioural Requirements

• Committed to and passionate about Oxitec's mission and values.

• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements.

• Positive, humble, co-operative, and professional always.

• Work with a sense of urgency and solve things promptly.

• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.

Oxitec is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.