Cleaning and Sterilisation Technician

Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Salary: £27,406 per annum

Band: MRC-6a S2

Contract type: Open ended

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire

Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026

Overall Purpose

We are looking for a reliable and proactive technician to play an important role in the day-to-day operation of our facility. The post-holder will help ensure that our laboratories and animal holding areas are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity. They will be responsible for preparing, sterilising and supplying the equipment and consumables required by teams working within the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC).

This is a practical role that would suit a collaborative individual who is comfortable in operating specialist equipment while following established procedures.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities

• Help maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity across laboratory and administrative areas

• Maintain laboratory replenishment to satisfactory levels, including bottle filling, diet and bedding replacement and provision of sterilised equipment

• Operate automated and semi-automated machinery such as autoclave, robotic systems and tunnel washer; troubleshooting problems as they arise and seeking advice where appropriate

• Monitor consumables and stocks, ensuring effective management of stock rotation and expiry dates

• Work safely and consistently in accordance with the local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk Assessments

Working Relationships

Part of a team working under the supervision of senior personnel.

Additional Information

Must be able to work overtime on a rota basis.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required

Essential:

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills with the ability to follow instructions and operating procedures
• Computer literate with the confidence and willingness to use relevant systems as required

Desirable:

• Forklift truck licence

Previous Work Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience of working in a practical role where maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene was essential
• Previous experience of working in a busy environment and ability to manage individual and team priorities

Desirable:

• Experience of preparing and processing equipment for cleaning and sterilisation
• Experience of operating automated machinery or equipment
• Experience in effective management of consumables, stock rotations and expiry dates

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Understands the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Experience of working with safety and caution while using basic cleaning equipment

Desirable:

• Experience of working in accordance with SOPs, Risk Assessments or other written procedures

Experience in operating machinery, although appropriate training will be provided

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities

Essential:

• A positive and collaborative approach to teamwork, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to the effective running of the team
• Good communication skills with the ability to have productive and collaborative discussions with colleagues
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure tasks are completed accurately with minimal errors
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, including lifting and handling bags of food and bedding weighing up to 12.5 kg
• Flexibility approach to working in different areas of the MLC

• Willingness to work flexibly with overtime hours to meet operational demands

Equality & Diversity

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

Code of Conduct

Equality and Diversity policy

Health and Safety policy

Data Protection and Security policy

The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.