Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Exciting Medical Devices Development company seeks a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic Microbiology Laboratory Technician to assist the Laboratory Manager and Clinical Assay Team Lead with running the Microbiology facility and other laboratories. The role involves a wide range of responsibilities, meaning the ideal candidate must be extremely well organised, able to multitask and adapt to the dynamic nature of a busy working laboratory. The main focus of the role will be to maintain media and culture stocks required for microbiology related research but will also require the candidate to assist Research Scientists and the Laboratory co-ordination team in the general operation of the laboratory facilities. The ideal candidate must have a background knowledge in life sciences including microbiology and be confident working in a laboratory environment. The role will require strict adherence to both Quality and Health and Safety requirements and strong communication skills, patience and the ability to work as part of a wider team are also key attributes required for the role. Duties may include: * Maintaining media and consumable stocks within the Microbiology laboratory * Maintaining frozen stocks of microorganisms and human samples * Maintaining living stocks of microorganisms * Maintain Tissue Cultures * Identification and enumeration of micro-organisms * Prepare, maintain, and perform quality control testing of laboratory media used for the growth and propagation of microorganisms. * Cultures by propagation viable pathogenic and non-pathogenic stock cultures of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. * Preparing microbiological samples for Research Scientists * Taking receipt of equipment and consumables * Monitoring and updating of laboratory inventory including disposal of out-of-date reagents and media * Monitoring consumable usage and re-stocking laboratories * Ensuring laboratories are operated in line with quality standards for ISO 13485 and HTA regulations * Preparation of laboratory reagents (weekly) * Ensuring laboratory waste is correctly managed * Operation of the autoclave and glasswasher * Ensuring laboratory equipment is maintained and subject to appropriate calibration and servicing Skills and experience: * BSc in a life science subject or extensive equivalent experience * Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory. * Experience of culturing and growing microorganisms on solid media and in liquid media * Experience of working with aseptic techniques * Excellent communication and organisation skills. * Ability to record results/data accurately and with attention to detail. * Laboratory skills including use of volumetric & weighing equipment. * Good numeracy skills. * Accuracy and attention to detail * Basic computer literacy including MS Word and Excel. * Be eligible to work full time in the UK without restriction. * BSc/MSc in Microbiology or Biomedical Science (with Microbiology) * Experience in enumeration of microorganisms * Experience in a similar industrial role * Experience working to ISO 13485. * Knowledge of Quality Management Systems. * Experience working within a BSL II and BSL III laboratory