Description

Location: On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK. Occasional UK travel may be required.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role. GenomeKey is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Company: GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing. Within GenomeKey we provide an encouraging environment where knowledge is shared and professional development is supported across both technical and non-technical skillsets. Join GenomeKey to help build a world where nobody dies from a treatable infection. Role Responsibilities We're seeking a proactive and detail-focused Microbiology Lab Technician to support the critical first steps in our workflow. This is a hands-on lab-based role involving performing laboratory and scientific support tasks, sample management, microbiological techniques, and close interaction with our automated lab systems. You’ll follow SOPs, ensure lab readiness, and contribute to smooth daily operations in a fast-paced, high-standards environment.

• Receive and log clinical bacterial isolates, and track all samples using LIMS, maintaining complete chain-of-custody records.
• Routinely manipulate bacteria using aseptic technique - to support sub-culture, growth, CFU measurements and bacterial dilutions.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks assigned by the scientific and engineering teams (including reagent preparation, bacterial stock preparation, buffer generation, gel electrophoresis, routine qPCR and preparation of in-house developed microfluidic and millifluidic modules)
• Preparation of laboratory reagents and buffers
• Load prepared samples, reagents, and consumables into liquid handling robots.
• Monitor robot runs, respond to system prompts or errors, and conduct routine maintenance and cleaning.
• Assist in the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory procedures
• Prepare and autoclave both solid and liquid media
• Accurately measure reagents and document preparation details (e.g., lot numbers, batch records).
• Carry out quality control checks on media, and biological/chemical reagents and robotic setup.
• Support of laboratory processes under ISO13485 procedures
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and biosafety including disposing of lab waste, clean work areas, and uphold lab hygiene standards.
• Record all lab activities — digitally and in lab notebooks — to support traceability and audit readiness.
• Support automation engineers and scientists to support sample throughput.
• Support performing sequencing following in-house provided training
• Identify and flag issues such as contamination, growth anomalies, or equipment faults promptly.
• Work with the laboratory manager with stock maintenance, orders and deliveries
• Assist the laboratory manager perform routine equipment servicing and calibration
• Dispose of laboratory waste according to established protocols
• Work within general category 2 microbiology labs, clean rooms and engineering workshops
• Assisting in production of biological and chemical risk assessments.

Person Specification:
We’re looking for someone with a proactive mindset, keen attention to detail, and a solid grounding in microbiological lab techniques. You’ll be dependable, meticulous, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment. Qualifications & Experience We are open to varied backgrounds for this role but are looking for candidates who bring most of the following key, along with some desirable, skills and experiences: Key:

• Educated to Undergraduate degree level in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, or a related life science (or equivalent practical laboratory experience).
• Demonstrable experience working in a microbiology or molecular biology lab environment.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique and bacterial culture handling.
• Familiarity with subculturing, colony picking, and agar plating.
• Strong attention to detail and sample traceability.
• Experience working with tracking systems (digital or manual) and maintaining clear laboratory records.
• Comfortable working independently and adhering to strict SOPs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work well as part of a larger team

Desirable:

• Experience working with bacterial and/or fungal pathogens
• Experience using barcode scanners or LIMS systems.
• Experience in a high-throughput lab (e.g., Lighthouse Labs or similar).
• Experience working within a quality focused/regulated environment (e.g., GLP/GMP/ISO) or strong understanding of lab compliance.
• Familiarity with sequencing workflows or molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• We recognise that not every candidate will meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited about this role and believe your background or transferable skills could make you a strong match, we encourage you to apply.

Our Hiring ProcessIntro call (15 minutes)
Role-fit interview (45 minutes)
Final stage (45 minutes) GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.