Assistant Laboratory Technician

Durham, North East England, United Kingdom Durham University Job Description - External

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here

The Role and Department

You will join the InsectNeuroLab in the Department of Biosciences, Durham University (http://insectneurolab.com/ ) that uses mosquitoes and other insects to study sensory neuroscience and sensory ecology. You will be responsible for the maintenance on mosquito and fly stocks and the insectary space. You will also contribute to ongoing experimental work. The role requires experience in research work, ideally with insects, knowledge of relevant Health and Safety regulations and be able to work on set tasks as part of a team. The role involves a diverse array of activities (e.g. maintaining mosquito colonies, maintaining insectary clean and organised, assisting in setting up mosquito crosses, assisting in the experimental work of lab members, liaising with and coordinating work with lab members, ensuring there is sufficient stock of necessary laboratory supplies, participation in lab meetings and other meetings/activities with the team, participation in research experiments, etc).

This is a part-time role (0.1FTE), open-ended from the 01/10/26.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days, PRO RATA
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Person Specification - External

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2. Science qualification (Biology, Animal Science, Zoology, Psychology, Chemistry, Botany or equivalent) and an understanding of how academic research works.

3. Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment to meet teaching and research outputs or having relevant qualifications for the role.

4. Experience of working in a team.

5. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6. Good spoken and written communication skills.

7. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.

8. Committed to training/continuing professional development.

9. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

10. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

11. Patience and attention to details

12. Ability to perform set tasks to completion

13. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team

14. A "can do" attitude and a willingness to expand their knowledge

15. Ability to maintain working environment by monitoring usage and re-ordering consumables

16. An understanding of the needs to work within Health and Safety Policies, and an understanding of the essentials of good laboratory practice

Desirable Criteria
• Undergraduate or higher science degree
• Experience of working in a research lab
• Experience of working with insects, ideally mosquitoes
• Knowledge of laboratory-based biological techniques

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dr Olena Riabinina ([email removed]) would be happy to speak to you.

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Main Responsibilities
• Work under the direction of the InsectNeuroLab Group Head (Dr Riabinina) on set tasks consistent with the grade, and work as a member of a supervised team.
• Maintain colonies of mosquitoes, according to provided instructions
• Ensure the insectary space is clean and well-organised
• Maintain all laboratory stock materials, including general laboratory consumables
• Set up genetic cro