Cleaning, Laundry & Autoclave Operator – (25P-033)
The Pirbright Institute
Salary: £27,000- £28,000 per annum
Permanent
Onsite: Woking, GU24
Application Closing Date: 10/10/2025
Before applying, please consider all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK
About The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute's aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a 'one Institute' approach.
Organisation position and purpose
The CLA team sits within the Central Services Unit, which is part of the Research Services department, who come under the Capability Directorate. The Position of Cleaning, Laundry & Autoclave (CLA) Operator reports to the Cleaning, Laundry & Autoclave Supervisor, and works alongside 6 other Cleaning, Laundry & Autoclave Operators and 1 office cleaner. CLA operators are responsible for housekeeping across site, laboratory cleaning, disposal of laboratory waste and laundering services for barrier systems.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for cleaning duties:
· Cleaning laboratories.
· Cleaning offices, mess rooms and canteens.
· Cleaning and maintaining changing/locker rooms.
· Cleaning washroom and bathroom facilities.
· Maintenance of cleaning equipment.
· Placing stores orders for required cleaning consumables in SAPO4 containment & around site.
30%
Responsible for Laundry Duties:
· Collection of dirty laundry, washing, drying, pressing and re-distribution of clean laundry both inside and outside of SAPO4 Containment.
12.5%
Responsible for barrier autoclave operation, which will include:
· Collection of discard tins within SAPO4 restricted area and transfer to designated autoclaves.
· Operation of discard autoclaves within CL2 facilities.
· Emptying of autoclaves and subsequent waste management duties.
25%
Responsible for Health & Safety and Quality duties:
· Maintaining electronic training records.
· Health and Safety responsibilities.
· Following Biosafety procedures and notifying Biosafety if procedures are not followed.
· Pro-active engagement with science users.
· Compliance with The Pirbright Institute Quality Assurance program and work with the team to ensure the maintenance of Quality Standards following guidance from the QA department.
20%
Responsible for supply & support, which will include:
· Maintaining stock requirements of CSU supplied media & glassware in SAPO4 Containment in collaboration with CSU Media, Glass wash & Sterilisation.
· Providing contingency support to CSU Media, Glass wash & Sterilisation as required.
12.5%
Working Pattern –Full time 37 hours per week
Core hours are Mon – Thurs 08:45 – 17:15, Fri 08:30 – 16:30 but there can be flexibility as to how this may be arranged.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
· Familiar with working to schedules and routines.
· Strong level of literacy (ability to follow verbal/written instruction.
· Computer literate (Familiar with Microsoft Outlook and Word).
· Good customer service skills.
· High attention to detail.
· Able to document and maintain records accurately.
Desirable
· Experience cleaning in an industry based, hospital or academic based environment.
· Autoclave and/or laundry experience. (Training provided).
· Experience of manual handling techniques.
· Comfortable working alone and in a team.
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
· Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
· 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
· Buy and sell annual leave.
· Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
· Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
· Pirbright social club.
· Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
· Cycle to work.
· Subsidised employee restaurant.
· Childcare allowance.
· Free onsite parking.
· Electric car charging facilities.
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on for an update.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,000.00-£28,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person