Washroom Assistant

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 24,000 - GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Glasgow is seeking a Washroom Assistant to support laboratory efficiency through sterilisation and waste disposal services. You will be responsible for managing glassware, monitoring nitrogen stock levels, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and relevant experience in a similar role. This full-time position offers an annual salary between £24,685 and £25,249, along with generous employee benefits.

Benefits

41 days of leave for full time staff

Flexible working hours

Free UofG Sport membership for new staff

Pension benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Competent in glass washing procedures.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures regarding cleaning.
• Experience in housekeeping duties, preferably in laboratory settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide sterilisation and wash-up service for research laboratories.
• Collect and prepare laboratory materials for cleaning and sterilisation.
• Ensure safe disposal of biohazardous waste.

Skills

Effective communication

Flexible approach to work

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Good organizational skills

Education

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4)

Tools

Autoclaves

Liquid nitrogen handling equipment

Job description

Please Note:The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. Internal applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their employers / line manager before making a formal application.

Job Purpose

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) within the School of Infection and Immunity are seeking to appoint a Washroom Assistant. The purpose of the job is to support the infrastructure of the CVR by being part of a small team supplying a sterilisation and wash‑up service for research laboratories within the CVR, (principally the Sir Michael Stoker Building and the Henry Wellcome Building).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To be a member of the washroom team providing a sterilisation, biological waste disposal and wash‑up service, reporting to the CVR Technical Services Manager.
2. Collect glassware, plasticware and other laboratory materials on a daily basis for handwashing, machine washing and sterilising as required; ensuring effective quality control is carried out.
3. Check and replace nitrogen cylinders as required, receiving delivered cylinders and reporting stock levels to the CVR Technical Services Manager.
4. Provide support to researchers and the Electron Microscopy facility by dispensing liquid nitrogen into transport vessels.
5. Carry out monthly checks of the personal oxygen depletion monitor located in the cryo freezer park.
6. Collect pipettes and waste within autoclave bins and sterilise via autoclaving.
7. Wash cages, pans, plastics for the insectary.
8. Clean troughs, tubs, and bins for the Containment Level 3 suite during periods of maintenance.
9. Load, unload and operate washing machines, autoclaves, and sterilising ovens.
10. Prepare disinfectant on a weekly basis for sterilisation of various materials (pipettes, glassware, etc).
11. Ensure all waste is disposed of safely and appropriately as set out in the CVR Waste Management Policy.
12. Liaise with the Waste Contractor during uplift of waste and monitor the disposal of waste.
13. Ensure safe disposal of broken glassware.
14. Replenish stock in laboratories and arrange uplift/replacement of autoclave bins.
15. Ensure appropriate containers are filled with dry ice.
16. Monitor consumable stock levels and equipment faults, reporting to the Technical Services Manager.
17. Submit orders to internal stores as appropriate.
18. Carry out general housekeeping within the freezer parks.
19. Coordinate daily tasks in collaboration with other members of the washroom team to maintain an efficient workflow and continuity of service.
20. Interpret work instructions and procedures, proactively adjusting personal and team schedules in response to changing priorities and organisational demands.
21. Support, instruct and guide newer members of the washroom team in daily processes and routines.
22. Undertake any relevant training as required.

This is not an exhaustive list but highlights a number of the key tasks, which the post holder may be reasonably expected to perform. This post requires a degree of manual handling that includes regular lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, moving or carrying a load.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria, using the CVR’s template form. If you do not address each criterion, then you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent qualification and experience in a similar role. OR the ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
• A2 Knowledge of glass washing procedures.
• A3 Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, including the hazards associated with cleaning and disinfection of chemicals.

Desirable:

• B1 Knowledge of the safe operation of autoclaves.
• B2 Knowledge in the safe handling of liquid nitrogen and the changing of gas cylinders.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and contractors.
• C2 Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.
• C3 Capable of working independently and also as part of a team.
• C4 Self‑motivated and able to manage time efficiently.
• C5 Good organisational skills.
• C6 Ability to use initiative and good judgement to solve problems.
• C7 Ability to handle tasks of a repetitive nature.
• C8 Ability to follow instructions.
• C9 Manual handling awareness.
• C10 Willing to participate in training to acquire additional skills.

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required, to undertake the duties associated with this level of post, through appropriate relevant experience in a similar role.
• E2 Experience in housekeeping duties, preferably in a laboratory setting.
• E3 Experience in preparing and handling chemicals for cleaning and disinfectant.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended with funding available up until 31st March 2027 in the first instance.

The working hours are Monday to Friday, 07:00 - 15:00.

Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Avanti Bhide, at [e-mail]

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 19th February 2026