Media Preparation Technician

In the Crick's Media Preparation Team.

Part of Crick Operations.

Key information

Media Preparation Technician

Facilities and Infrastructure (Glasswash and Media Prep) 

Details of the role:

Working pattern: This is a full-time position on Crick terms and conditions of employment (Mon-Thurs 08.00-16.00, Fri 08.00-15.45). The post is fixed-term until December 31st 2026.

Salary: From £29,613 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 27th of January 2026 at 23.59

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

Every year the media preparation service at the Francis Crick Institute manufactures thousands of litres of research reagents, including culture media, buffers, microbiological plates and Drosophila (fruit fly) diet. You will assist in the smooth running of this crucial support function, formulating and dispensing reagents for use in research.

Working in a dedicated media lab at the Crick, your main duties will involve making up solutions and media for scientists to use in their laboratories and experiments to grow cells. You will be working closely with the team as well as scientists and other support services throughout the organisation. As you will be working with media, chemicals and consumables, strong attention to details is crucial to this role.

You will be joining a diversely experienced team, where you will be encouraged to grow and expand on your knowledge and experience. On the job training will be provided.

What you will be doing

As a Media Prep technician at the Crick, you will:

• Producing, dispensing and sterilising products in a safe, accurate and reproducible method, following standard protocols

• Maintaining a supply of chemicals and consumables

• Operating equipment such as mixing vessels, autoclaves and analytical equipment

• Keeping key laboratory records, databases and files up to date

• Maintaining good operational state of key equipment and the working environment

• Liaising with internal clients over their requirements and delivery schedules

Please see full job description here

About you

You will bring

• Basic literacy and numeracy (e.g. GCSE Maths and English at grade A-C or equivalent)*

• Basic understanding of Chemistry (GCSE at grade A-C or equivalent)*

• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software especially Excel*

• Good organisational skills and excellent attention to detail*

• Ability to carry out tasks involving lifting/manual handling particularly at the beginning and end of each day when loading and unloading autoclaves.*

*Minimum Criteria

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

• We are

  bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.

• We are

  open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We are

  collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

• Health & Well-being:

• 24/7 GP consultation services.

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Back-up care for dependents.

• Childcare support allowance.

• Annual leave purchase options.

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks:

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. 

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received