Fly Laboratory Technician (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Role overview

The Fly Facility at the Department of Genetics is looking for a part-time Laboratory Technician to support Drosophila research and teaching activities in Cambridge and for external users. This role is central to the smooth running of the facility and to the services it provides.

Key duties

The main focus of the position is stock maintenance as part of the facility’s stock-keeping service. The technician will also help with day-to-day facility operations and step in when colleagues are absent or when service demand increases. Depending on need, this may include helping with fly food preparation, supporting the microinjection service, or getting materials ready for Drosophila teaching sessions.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will have a science qualification at GCSE grade A-C / NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent level of practical experience. Experience gained in an academic or commercial laboratory is required, along with solid basic computer skills, strong communication and interpersonal ability, good organisational habits, and a careful, systematic approach to solving problems. Experience handling Drosophila is an advantage, though not essential because training will be provided.

Working arrangement

This is a fixed-term, part-time appointment of 18.25 hours per week, equivalent to 0.5 FTE. The working pattern is Monday to Friday, and the assignment will run for an initial period of 12 months. Flexible working arrangements will be considered, and the precise days and hours will be agreed with the successful candidate.

Application and further details

Interested candidates should apply online through the university recruitment system. For an informal conversation about the post, please contact Simon Collier, Fly Facility Manager, at psc38@cam.ac.uk. Applicants should quote reference PC49756 in their application and in any related correspondence.

Equal opportunity and work eligibility

The university welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and supports equality, diversity, and inclusion. It also requires confirmation that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.