Trainee Technician (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

Location:	Cambridge
Salary:	£25,249 per annum
Hours:	Full Time, Part Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	23rd March 2026
Closes:	19th April 2026
Job Ref:	PM48881

Applications are invited for a trainee laboratory technician to support research work in the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (Loke CTR), starting July 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about getting started in scientific research to join a vibrant and friendly team of researchers in the heart of Cambridge and work in a state-of-the-art laboratory.

About the role

The role will support research activities of groups operating in the Loke CTR shared laboratory space, based in the department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN). There are 6 research groups based permanently in the shared lab space, led by Prof Kathy Niakan, Prof Bill Colledge, Prof Erica Watson, Dr Thorsten Boroviak, Dr Courtney Hanna, and Dr Claire Senner. The role will provide direct support for approximately 30 researchers across these groups.

This is an exciting role with varied responsibilities. You will support our tissue culture facilities, a molecular biology lab, histology preparation room, and placental, endometrial and human embryo shared facility. You will provide laboratory housekeeping to ensure a well-functioning laboratory environment, including performing tissue culture, histology and molecular biology techniques, preparing stock solutions, monitoring and replenishing stocks, and contributing to the health and safety culture of research groups. You will also provide support for the Biology of the Human Uterus in Pregnancy and Disease Tissue Bank, used by Loke CTR researchers across the University with an interest in pregnancy and early development. Find out more about the role in this short video: https://www.technicians.admin.cam.ac.uk/career-development/day-life-project.

The Loke CTR

The Loke CTR https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/ is a centre of excellence to promote scientific study of the placenta, early development and maternal-fetal interactions during pregnancy. The Loke CTR unites 30 group leaders across 10 departments and affiliated institutes, providing diverse opportunities for scientific interaction to support world leading trophoblast-related research across Cambridge.

What you need

You should be educated to a minimum of A-level or NVQ level 3 in a biological or other related subject and/or relevant laboratory experience in molecular biology. You should have a good understanding of molecular biology and previous research experience would be advantageous.

Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team are essential. You should have meticulous documentation and note-keeping skills and be able to manage your time and work effectively.

Contract details

The position is flexible to suit individual needs. The appointment will be made for a minimum of 1 year and welcome applications from candidates interested in full-time or part-time work, for a minimum of 4 days per week, you will be required to work on site. The salary for this role is £25,249.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

On the online form, in suitability for the role, you should explain the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. Full contact details for two referees should be provided.

Closing date: midnight on 19 April 2026.

Interviews expected to be held on 12 May 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Erin Slatery, Loke CTR Executive Manager (execmgr.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk). For queries about the recruitment process, please contact Harriet Jipps, (pdnhr@pdn.cam.ac.uk).

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.