Support Technician

About the role

Applications are invited for a skilled Horticulture and Laundry Support Technician within the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology working as part of a small team of two, responsible for managing the horticultural and laundry needs for the department.

The successful candidate’s duties will include cleaning and maintain the interior of growth facilities, autoclaving and washing seed trays and pots for reuse, collecting used soil/growth media and sterilising, distribute biological control predators in growth facilities, treat plants for pests and pathogens (training will be provided), and treat wastewater from cleaning/growth facilities with filtering equipment. This role provides essential support to the growth facilities, and laundry for the Department of Biology and works closely with members of the technical and research staff in the Department.

The appointee will launder laboratory coats in-house to comply with Health and Safety regulations for GM material. This will involve collecting and returning coats to the labs/growth facilities and ensuring the washing machine filters are replaced regularly.

About you

This is a varied and hands-on position requiring strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively. The role also involves regular interaction with colleagues and scientists, so good interpersonal and customer service skills are essential. Ideally the candidate would hold a PA1 and PA6 qualification for pesticide application, or be willing to undergo training to gain this. The postholder will work under the supervision of the head Horticultural person and Plant Growth Facilities manager. Full training will be offered to the successful candidate.

How to apply

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This post is full-time and available immediately.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 8 June 2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.