About Us
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.
Purpose of the Job
As a Technician for Oxitec, you will join a dynamic project dedicated to the research and development of our self-limiting technology in insects that spread disease, damage crops and harm livestock. You will join our strain development team, a team who are focused on the development of transformation methods and handling techniques that will streamline our strain development processes, followed by the generation and characterisation of self-limiting strains for future use in field operations.
This role requires the individual to be highly motivated and capable to provide technical support in our R&D team to meet our project objectives and company goals. This ranges from maintaining a clean working environment to looking after our insect colonies and/or laboratory equipment, assisting with experimental set-up and data collection, as well as helping to maintain a safe and functional working environment .This role can span multiple projects and will require the individual to be flexible and respond to priorities under the guidance of their line manager.
Responsibilities
- Maintain insect colonies.
- Supporting the team with experimental set up and data collection, according to specified protocols to develop and test transgenic strains.
- Carefully record data and document activities and processes within laboratory books or other applicable records.
- Supporting the smooth running of the laboratory as directed by the line manager, maintaining tidiness, and supporting the team’s compliance to established procedures, regulations and health and safety.
- Preparation and maintenance of laboratory stock solutions, insect diets and equipment, including ordering of laboratory supplies.
- Assisting with maintaining up to date health and safety records and writing and updating SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments.
- Providing clear communication to the strain development scientist and team lead on experimental status.
- Follow Health & Safety and containment requirements for all activities
- Providing occasional weekend support as part of a rota within the R&D team.
Skills, Experience, and Education Requirements
- Educated to A-level standard in a scientific subject.
- Experience of working in a biological sciences laboratory is preferred, with insect rearing expertise desirable.
- Good communication skills.
- Have a creative approach to problem solving and the development of applied solutions.
- Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, thriving and being resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.
Behavioural Requirements
- Committed to and passionate about the Oxitec mission and values.
- Diligent and organised, with a creative approach to problem solving and the development of applied solutions.
- Comfortable working independently and within a team.
- Adaptable and flexible, thriving and being resilient in an environment of change and ambiguity.
- Decisive and assertive with a driven and proactive approach.
- Positive, humble, co-operative, and professional.
- Works with a sense of urgency and solves things promptly.
- Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.
- Empathetic, with the ability to build effective relationships quickly.
- A team player who believes the success of us all depends on us working together.
Please note this is a fixed-term contract until mid-March 2027.
Flyttr is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
