Laboratory Assistant

Description

Transition Bio is an innovative, early-stage biotechnology company with the vision of being the world leader in data-driven discovery, analysis, and modulation of biological condensates. At Transition Bio, multidisciplinary teams with diverse skill sets in molecular biology, biophysics, chemistry, engineering, data science and machine learning work closely together, building first-in-class technology platforms for condensate analysis and high-throughput drug screening. With close affiliation to Cambridge and Harvard universities, our approach is truly original and encompasses a growing collection of novel technologies and methodologies.

We are looking for driven, results orientated and technically capable individuals who will contribute to the further success of our business through the generation of high-quality data in a drug discovery context.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated research/laboratory assistant to join our team in Cambridge, UK. The Laboratory Assistant will assume an important role in maintaining smooth operation of day-to-day laboratory activities at our facility in central Cambridge. Duties will include aspects of general laboratory management, stock inventory, reagent preparation and waste handling.

The Laboratory Assistant must be highly organised and possess good interpersonal skills and have the ability to work in a team and a strong work ethic. By communicating with scientific staff and the Laboratory Operations Manager, the successful applicant will demonstrate situational awareness and a capability to self-organise and prioritise workload to meet the needs of the moment.

It is crucial that the Laboratory Assistant be able and willing to respond quickly and flexibly to the operational needs of a rapidly developing start-up.

The role may also involve some aspects of routine experimental work dependant on experience and interest of the individual.

Responsibilities

• Material preparation (including use of an autoclave): produce and maintain stocks of buffers, liquid growth media, culture plates and standard reagents.
• Maintain and organise lab consumables and reagents in various laboratories and tissue culture rooms, including the use of procurement and inventory software applications.
• Fabrication of microfluidic chips following well established SOPs. Full training available.
• Waste disposal.
• Glassware upkeep and cleaning etc., including use of a laboratory dishwasher.
• Carry out routine inspections and safety checks.
• Receive and distribute deliveries including adding data to a LIMS system.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory safety standards and general housekeeping.
• Assist in management of cryogenic and compressed gas supplies.
• Basic equipment servicing and calibration.
• Assist with shipping goods nationally and internationally.
• Perform regular cleaning of tissue culture rooms.
• Writing Risk Assessments, SOPs and COSHH assessments.
• Other duties as required by the Laboratory Operations Manager and other senior staff.
• Availability at short notice for out-of-hours callout in case of freezer failure, etc.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Attainment of Level 3 Qualification (or international equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or cell biology and/or relevant industry experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Proficient in using standard laboratory equipment e.g., autoclaves, dishwashers etc.
• An understanding of essential laboratory health and safety.
• Ability to work flexibly with excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Enjoys working independently and in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prior experience using a LIMS system is an advantage.
• Currently hold a valid First Aid at Work training certification an advantage.