The Department of Genetics is seeking a proactive Practical Class Technician to join our friendly and welcoming professional services team on a part-time, permanent basis. This key position supports our undergraduate teaching activities and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a world-class teaching and research environment while benefiting from the University's many support and development opportunities.
The successful candidate will provide essential technical support for practical teaching, including preparing and setting up laboratory equipment and experiments for undergraduate classes. They will assist students during sessions, maintain cultures, prepare and analyse samples, and contribute to developing practical experiments. Responsibilities also include supporting the recruitment of supplementary demonstrators.
Another key aspect of the role is managing laboratory supplies and equipment. The Technician will monitor stock levels, order consumables, and purchase minor equipment within budget, ensuring resources are available for both research and teaching. This includes liaising with staff and suppliers, resolving issues, and maintaining records through the University's financial system (CUFS).
Health and safety are integral to the role. The Technician will conduct routine safety checks, arrange repairs, and carry out safety inductions in the absence of the Department Safety Officer. Additional responsibilities include maintaining the chemical inventory and overseeing biological waste disposal, including autoclave operation. The ideal candidate will have laboratory support experience, preferably in biological sciences, with knowledge of lab procedures and health and safety regulations. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are essential. Good communication skills are also required, as the role involves working closely with students, academic staff, and research groups.
The Department of Genetics is part of the School of Biological Sciences and hosts 22 research groups and over 100 staff. It is a vibrant and collaborative environment with strong links to leading research institutes such as the Gurdon Institute and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
Staff benefits include competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related progression and annual cost of living increases; Generous annual leave provision; Family friendly policies including generous carer leave (maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, adoption leave); An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution; Exclusive employee discounts via our CamBens scheme, and access to free Wellbeing activities and resources.
The Department actively encourages and supports personal development and our staff have access to a wide range of courses and training provided by the University of Cambridge Learning and Development team.
For informal enquiries, please contact Amie Baker, Chief Building and Facilities Manager, at
Please quote reference PC47580 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Genetics
Salary
£27,319-£31,236
Reference
PC47580
Category
Assistant staff
Date published
9 October 2025
Closing date
5 November 2025