Laboratory Technician

Overview About OXGENE™ OXGENE, a WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXI ATU) company, develops pioneering technologies to accelerate the discovery and biomanufacture of cell and gene therapies. We recruit only the best from across the globe to join us on our mission. We are focussed on providing our employees with a rich and rewarding work life, developing their skills sets and supporting their own personal aspirations. OXGENE provides expert design and engineering services for viral vector optimisation and cell line development as well as developing innovative new technologies to transform the manufacture of cell and gene therapies.

OXGENE are seeking a Laboratory Technician to provide support and assistance with the day to day running of the laboratories providing support to the commercial and research-based project groups at OXGENE. You will be responsible for general upkeep of the laboratories including equipment upkeep, stock control and hazardous waste management. You will work closely with the Laboratory Manager, Quality Management Team, and other colleagues to ensure all aspects of the laboratories are run to a high standard and meet our quality standards. An ability to follow key processes at high throughput is essential, as is time management, work ethic, working under pressure and working well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Laboratory Management Group and colleagues on general running and upkeep of Central Services Laboratory
• Providing reagents and media to all groups in line with project needs
• Carrying out and logging calibration & maintenance of equipment in line with quality standards
• Assisting with sample storage and fridge & freezer upkeep throughout the company
• Assist with proper waste management including hazardous waste in line with regulations
• Stock management including goods in, stock take and goods out
• Daily running of autoclaves
• Management of laboratory gasses
• Other appropriate duties as required

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Level 3 laboratory technician apprenticeship or A-Levels in a scientific subject (ideally biology)
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise with different departments
• Excellent organisational skills

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Previous experience of working in a similar role in a laboratory setting
• Experience of carrying out calibration and day to day maintenance on laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances, water baths, centrifuges etc.
• Demonstrable previous experience of preparing reagent & media in laboratory setting
• Working in a laboratory setting to quality standards such as ISO:9001

JOB LOCATION We have offices in the UK and USA. This role will be located at The Oxford Science Park, four miles south east of Oxford, with parking and good public transport links from Oxford. Our UK office address is: Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4HG.
HOW TO APPLY Please complete the application form on our website and attach your CV.Your CV should include evidence that demonstrates how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks. Internal applicants: please apply directly to Human Resources, copying your line manager into the email. Sending us your personal information means that you are asking us to hold your data on file, and understand that we will only keep it for as long as we need it to comply with the Data Protection Act.
CLOSING DATE This advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity.
INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES
By the start of employment, the successful candidate must have, and be able to demonstrate, permission to work in the UK. Unfortunately, as a small company, we have very limited ability to sponsor employees under skilled worker route. Please note relocation is unavailable for this role.
MORE ABOUT OXGENE
Company benefits OXGENE offers a generous benefits package:

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service and 8 UK bank/public holidays per annual leave year and a day off on your birthday
• Pension with salary exchange and generous employer contribution
• Group life cover
• Group Income Protection
• Glasses vouchers
• Employee assistance programme
• Private medical insurance with additional wellness benefits (as a benefit in kind)
• Free tea, coffee, fruit-juice, fruit and biscuits, with kitchen facilities
• Financially incentivised employee referral scheme

Company culture and environment OXGENE offers a friendly working environment in a diverse and expanding company.

• Modern offices and laboratories
• Opportunity to make a difference in a promotion-from-within environment
• Regular whole-company presentations, including regular scientific updates
• Regular social events, including TGI Friday activities
• Annual two-day staff away days

Diversity and equality of opportunity We provide all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables and empowers everyone to develop and deliver professional excellence. We recognise that diversity is vital for innovation and creativity and value each individual’s contribution. OXGENE’s decision to employ and promote individuals will be determined by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the role. The ability to perform the role will be the primary consideration on entry into employment and to successfully pass probation.
The application process When we receive your application, we will look at it carefully to see if you are right for the role. We aim to contact all successful candidates within 2-3 weeks of application. If you haven’t received a telephone call or an e-mail from us in this time, it means you have not been selected on this occasion. Due to the number of applications, we receive, we are unable to provide feedback for candidates who are not selected for interview. We thank you for your application and interest in OXGENE.
Pre-employment screening All appointments will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work in the UK, proof of identity and references.
Information for recruitment agencies We only accept CVs from our partnership recruitment agencies. Should you wish to be considered as a partner agency, please read the information on our website under ‘Recruitment Agencies’ and complete the online form if you are eligible. We have offices in the UK and USA. This role will be located at The Oxford Science Park, four miles south east of Oxford, with parking and good public transport links from Oxford. Our UK office address is: Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4HG.