Lab Cleaner (General Assistant), Abingdon

We are a team of passionate individuals from 15 countries developing the world’s first biosecurity platform built to combat critical pest threats to human health, food security and the environment.

With a deep commitment to trust, integrity and collaboration, Flyttr has become the trusted partner of governments, industries, philanthropies and communities seeking to make bold advancements on the biggest pest threats of our time. We work with urgency because lives and livelihoods depend on it. Successful candidates will find Flyttr to be an exhilarating place to do their best work and will find that every person at Flyttr plays a critical role in a dynamic, exciting, team-oriented culture.

Under the direction of the Facilities department, the General Assistant is an essential role in providing support to Flyttr’s laboratory and facilities functions. In particular, you will support the Research and Development and Quality teams ensuring they operate in a clean and well managed environment.

General Assistants are responsible for ensuring that all laboratories and rearing equipment are clean, well maintained, and functional. Work must be carried out in line with Health & Safety guidelines to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Responsibilities can vary by project and you may be asked to support any of the scientific or facilities teams depending on the needs of the day.

• Organising stored laboratory and insect rearing equipment, ensuring the equipment is cleaned prior to storing.
• Ensure that the laboratories maintain a high standard of cleanliness, and that the cleaning of floors and work surfaces is carried out regularly.
• Ensure that laboratory waste is correctly decontaminated and disposed.
• Organising and arrange for lab coats to be cleaned by laundry services and that delivery and collection times are in line with business needs and requirements.
• Ensure clean and fresh lab coats are well stocked and available for use in the lab areas.
• Ensuring that the storage fridges and freezers are regularly defrosted and cleaned.
• Monitor and manage inventory of solutions and chemicals, which are extensively used by the technical team.
• Responsible for environmental monitoring activities as guided by the Quality Assurance team.
• Record laboratory facility issues, or defective equipment in the laboratory books to be escalated to the Facilities Manager.
• Adhere to all Health & Safety, COSHH, Biosafety and containment requirements for all laboratory activities and ensuring H&S records are kept up to date.
• Ensure, chemical, clinical, and hazardous (sharps) are safely disposed in line with HSE regulations.
• Provide assistance to the Facilities Manager with basic Facilities actions e.g. building/lab checks, floor layouts, equipment ordering, minor repairs or admin.
• May be required to work occasional weekends, to provide support to the R&D and QA/QC teams, in line with the department’s rota schedules.

• Educated to A-level or GCSE, with minimum C level in English and Maths.
• Previous experience of working in a science-based environment is desirable but not essential.
• Ability to work independently and as a strong team player.
• Demonstrate flexibility with the ability to adapt to changing situations.
• Excellent timekeeping and responsiveness to urgent project requests.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to provide clear and concise information pertaining to laboratory matters.
• Highly organised and meticulous when planning work schedules.
• Good understanding of H&S processes and protocols (i.e. COSHH and Risk Assessments).
• A practical and proactive approach to work.

• Committed to and passionate about Flyttr’s mission and values.
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements.
• Positive, humble, co-operative, and professional always.
• Work with a sense of urgency and solve things promptly.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.

Please note this position is a fixed-term position for 4 months.

Flyttr is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.