Laboratory Assistant

Posted 27 February 2026
Salary Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum
End date 09 March 2026
LocationGlasgow
Job Type Internal- for current UoG employees only
Reference194337
Expiry 09 March 2026 at 23:45

Job description

**Please note that this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only**

 

Job Purpose

The College of MVLS are seeking to appoint a Laboratory Assistant for the Davidson Washroom. The purpose of the job is to support the infrastructure of the complex that houses several schools by being part of a small team supplying a sterilisation and wash-up service for research laboratories within the Davidson Complex (Davidson, Wolfson Link, SJBB)

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.To be a member of the washroom team providing a sterilisation, biological waste disposal and washup service, reporting on a day-to-day basis to the Washroom Supervisor.

2. Accept glassware, plasticware and other laboratory materials daily for handwashing, machine washing and sterilising as required.

3. Organising the collection and recording of lab coats from various areas for laundering.

4. Repair chipped glassware by flaming using a Bunsen burner.

5. Accept pipettes and waste within autoclave bags and sterilise via autoclaving.

6. Load, unload and operate washing machines, autoclaves, and sterilising ovens.

7. Ensure all waste is disposed of safely and appropriately as set out in the MVLS Waste Management Policy.

8. Ensure safe disposal of broken glassware.

9. Ensure glassware, plasticware etc is meticulously clean and effective quality control of materials is carried out.

10. Assist the Laboratory Supervisor with daily management of stock levels, ordering stock through MVLS Stores when required.

11. Assist the Laboratory Supervisor in preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and review of washroom risk assessments.

12. Deputise in the absence of the Laboratory Supervisor, coordinating sterilisation, biological waste, disposal and wash up service.[EB1] [PG2]

13. Carry out general housekeeping within the washroom areas.

14. Keeping records of various items for recharging.

15. Preparing specialised medias and fly food recipes daily.

16. Undertake any relevant training as required.

 

This is not an exhaustive list but highlights several of the key tasks, which the post holder may be reasonably expected to perform.

 

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

 

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent qualification and experience in a similar role OR Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.

A2 Knowledge of glass washing procedures and autoclaving.

A3 Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, including the hazards associated with cleaning and disinfection of chemicals and an understanding of safe manual handling techniques.

 

Skills

Essential

C1 Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and contractors.

C2 Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.

C3 Capable of working independently and as part of a team.

C4 Self-motivated and able to manage time efficiently.

C5 Good organisational skills.

C6 Ability to use initiative and good judgement to solve problems.

C7 Ability to handle tasks of a repetitive nature.

C8 Ability to follow instructions.

C9 Manual handling awareness.

C10 Willing to participate in training to acquire additional skills.

 

Experience

Essential

E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required, to undertake the duties associated with this level of post, through appropriate relevant experience in a similar role.

E2 Experience in laboratory housekeeping duties.

E3 Experience in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfectant.

 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum.

 

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

The working hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00 hours

 

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

 

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

 

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

 

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

 

Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 9th March 2026