Xap Therapeutics is a start-up biopharmaceutical company which develops an innovative platform to deliver genetic medicines in the bloodstream of patients. We engineer iPSC cell lines using CRISPR technology and differentiate these into universal “chassis” cells, which can be loaded with gene medicines. Our aim is to use this cell-based delivery platform to generate a pipeline of novel genetic therapies in a broad range of indications such as genetic disorders, cancer and autoimmunity.

We are seeking a Laboratory and Facilities Technician to join our Scientific Operations (‘Sci Ops’) function, based on the Babraham Research Campus (https://www.babraham.com/) just outside Cambridge. This is a unique career opportunity to join our growing team, and to contribute to the generation of this exciting novel cell therapy platform. The Sci Ops team has the critical responsibility of ensuring our scientific facilities and equipment are operating safely and effectively. This includes maintenance and servicing of all key equipment as well as ensuring uninterrupted supply of key research consumables such as all basic tissue culture plasticware and reagents.

Reporting to the Head of Scientific Operations, the Sci Ops team will provide general support for all scientific functions to ensure the smooth running of our laboratories. This on-site role involves practical duties, as well as key clerical and administrative work to support the company and team activities. Unlike our Scientist positions, this role does not involve any direct scientific laboratory work.

POSITION: Laboratory and Facilities Technician

REPORTS TO: Head of Scientific Operations

SUPERVISES: N/A

JOB PURPOSE:

The Laboratory Facilities Technician will be working with the Head of Scientific Operations, you will provide general support for all scientific functions to ensure the smooth running of our laboratories. This on-site role involves practical duties, as well as key clerical and administrative work to support the company and team activities. Unlike our Scientist positions, this role does not involve any direct laboratory work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Main responsibility for ordering and maintaining key stock & consumables. This includes receipting all general deliveries and adding reagents to our online inventory system (Benchling) upon arrival.
• Hands-on practical support to the laboratories including tasks such as collecting and arranging cleaning of laundry and laboratory glassware; autoclaving; changing gas cylinders; helping the team to keep the laboratories organised; coordinating laboratory waste collections.
• Assist with basic equipment calibration, as well as equipment maintenance and servicing. This will include practical tasks such as defrosting freezers; a face-to-face role such as being a point of contact for service engineers and visitors; administrative tasks such as booking equipment engineer visits, filing service reports and keeping the equipment register up to date.
• Assist with administrative duties such as working with the finance team to resolve invoice enquiries.
• Assist the Safety Officer with H&S duties, such as facilitating PAT test visits and helping with documentation such as risk assessments.
• Ensure building issues are reported to the landlord promptly and follow up as required. Assist the Head of Scientific Operations with other requests, as required, such as assistance with equipment or laboratory moves or set-up.
• Very occasional out-of-hours emergency call out will also be required, scheduled on a rota (time off in lieu provided if called out).

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Education and Experience

• 5 GSCE level qualifications (C-grade or above), including a STEM subject, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience of general administrative work.
• Previous experience in a laboratory setting, either in academia or industry is highly desirable.
• Basic computing skills in MS Office Suite software, Outlook and other relevant software.

Skills and Competencies

• Team player, with ability to work on own initiative.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise between relevant options.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges.
• Flexible and reliable.
• Close attention to detail.
• Happy to engage with external contacts via email, telephone and in person.
• Desire to extend responsibilities and remit

You will enjoy a varied, rewarding and flexible role in a dynamic working environment that fosters innovation, accountability and teamwork.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including pension, life assurance, private medical plan, and income protection, as well as a discretionary bonus and share options. Training will be provided, as required.