Laboratory Assistant

The Life Science Technologies (LST) business unit of Johnson Matthey’s New Market Sector focuses on serving the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and fine chemical markets. LST is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Assistant to join our team in Cambridge. The successful candidate will support the facilities in Cambridge Science Park, including two R&D chemistry laboratories, two Kg scale laboratories, a fermentation laboratory, and the R&D biocatalysis laboratory.

Essential consideration is given to safety (EHS). The role will be responsible for the safe handling of chemicals, disposal of waste, shipping and inventory, according to regulations and best practice, and will contribute to risk assessments and to the development and implementation of suitable procedures. A range of training opportunities will be provided.

Key responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to EHS through actively promoting JM safety culture; support to Health and Safety (e.g. contributing to risk assessments and to writing, assessing and implementing procedures).
• Maintain and update of reagent inventory; purchase reagents and consumables; manage stocks; monitor customer samples and controlled substances;
• Shipping of chemical and biochemical samples in accordance to regulation (training will be provided);
• Manage chemical and biochemical waste stream (e.g. collection, appropriate storage and coordination with contractors for removal), ensuring that regulations and best practices are followed;
• Oversee and hands-on contribute to general maintenance of facilities and equipment in coordination with Facility Manager and Scientists (e.g. unplanned maintenance, laundry collection) and maintenance of technical equipment (e.g. pressure equipment, pressurized gasses supply, isolator, glove box, analytical equipment, liquid nitrogen refilling) in coordination with Scientists;
• Support Chemistry group (e.g. materials dispensing, packaging, general laboratory housekeeping, managing of specialist catalyst collection, execution of laboratory work under supervision from scientists)
• Support Kg Laboratory facilities (e.g. managing of reagents, waste, shipping, equipment maintenance, execution of process chemistry work under supervision from scientists).
• Any other task as required and as appropriate to the role

Are you the ideal candidate?

• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 or working towards level 3
• Previous laboratory experience desirable;
• Understanding of laboratory environment and procedures;
• Highly motivated, safety oriented, positive team-work attitude;
• Excellent organizational and Lab housekeeping skills;
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills as well as experience working in a multi-discipline team environment. Strong work ethics required.