Careers Laboratory Technician

Cambridge University Press & Assessment; Hartford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic publisher in the UK is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support biology practical exams and educational assessments. You will be responsible for preparing and dispatching high-quality specimen slides, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate should have A levels in Biology/Chemistry, hands-on lab experience, and strong organizational skills. This position offers competitive benefits including annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Group personal pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4 × annual salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a laboratory environment, including safe handling of chemicals and biological materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain high‑quality slides with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently under pressure.
• Competence in using communication and record-keeping IT tools.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and dispatching biology slides for exams and sales.
• Managing inventory and records of materials and health safety documentation.
• Coordinating with teams for timely delivery and smooth operations.
• Supporting examiner visits with necessary materials.
• Overseeing laboratory safety and conducting maintenance checks.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

A levels (or equivalent) in Biology and/or Chemistry

Tools

Email

Spreadsheets

Word processing tools

Job description

As a Laboratory Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting Cambridge International's biology practical exams and the wider educational community. Your primary responsibility will be the safe preparation and dispatch of high-quality biology specimen slides, ensuring their availability for exam series and for purchase through the Publications Catalogue. You will manage the dispatch of slides for our three main exam series each year as well as for international Ministries (e.g., Singapore) and other special projects (e.g., Armenia). In addition, you will harvest new materials and produce high-quality photographs of slides to support our publications and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, maintaining, and dispatching biology slides for exams and for sale through the Publications Catalogue.
• Managing inventory and accurate records of materials, including health and safety documentation.
• Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery and smooth operations.
• Supporting examiner visits by preparing necessary materials and producing high-quality photographs of slides.
• Overseeing laboratory safety, including health and safety procedures, fire safety, and first aid.
• Conducting routine maintenance checks on laboratory equipment and maintaining adequate stocks of consumables.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and maintaining a secure, well‑organized laboratory environment.

This is a hands‑on, lab‑based position that requires extended periods of standing and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. You'll be part of a small, collaborative team dedicated to upholding Cambridge's reputation for excellence in science education.

Qualifications

You’ll bring a strong foundation in science, ideally with A levels (or equivalent) in Biology and/or Chemistry. You have hands‑on experience preparing high‑quality specimen slides, gained through significant on‑the‑job training in a similar laboratory role. You're confident working with chemicals and biological materials, always prioritizing health and safety, and you're comfortable using IT tools for record‑keeping and communication.

• Proven experience in a laboratory environment, including safe handling of chemicals and biological materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain high‑quality slides with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Competence in using email, spreadsheets, and word processing tools (training provided for internal systems).
• Good communication and collaboration skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Microscopy skills for handling, viewing, and manipulating materials.
• Experience supporting practical exams or educational assessments.
• Familiarity with laboratory stock management and procurement.
• First aid and/or fire warden training.

About Cambridge University Press & Assessment

We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge. Joining us gives you the opportunity to pursue potential. You'll belong to a collaborative team that explores new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe—for the benefit of individuals, society and our world. Sharing our mission inspires your own growth, development and progress, in an environment that embraces difference, change and aspiration.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where everyone has a voice, and where we learn continuously to improve together. Ensuring that everyone feels they belong is essential to who we are, and to the contribution we make to society and our planet. We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4 × annual salary
• Green travel schemes