Laboratory Technician in Molecular Diagnostics and Biobanking

Origin Sciences; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology start-up is seeking a detail-oriented laboratory technician to support their clinical and research activities. This role involves handling clinical samples, DNA extraction, and maintaining records in a fast-paced laboratory setting, contributing to important colorectal cancer research.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year laboratory experience, including handling of biospecimens.
• Essential skills in wet-lab techniques like pipetting and buffer preparation.
• Familiar with LIMS and Excel for experimental/sample data tracking.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reception, processing, and archiving of clinical samples.
• Maintain accurate sample records within the LIMS.
• Contribute to biobank quality assurance and execute qPCR assays.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Strong Organisational Skills

Process Discipline

Accurate Record-Keeping

Routine Laboratory Proficiency

Data Handling

Time Management

Communication

Team Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

BSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cancer Biology

Job description

Origin Sciences is a start-up biotechnology company based in Granta Park, south of Cambridge. We develop our own innovative medical devices, which we use in clinical trials to collect a biobank of mucus-based biospecimens. This biobank provides a valuable source of clinical material that is used for fundamental research, method/technology development and the creation of diagnostic assays.

Currently, our diagnostic development programs primary focus is the detection of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and pre-cancerous lesions. Our motivation is to streamline the colorectal cancer detection pathway, enabling healthcare systems to focus on those patients with serious pathologies, ultimately reducing waiting times, enabling earlier detection, and minimising unnecessary investigations performed on healthy patients.

The Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated laboratory technician to support our clinical and research activities. The primary responsibilities of this role are receipting and biobanking of clinical samples, DNA extraction, quantification and quality control of extracted material. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in a structured, fast-paced laboratory environment and is looking to contribute to impactful diagnostic research and development.

Main Duties May Include:

• Ensuring appropriate reception, processing, and archiving of clinical samples according to SOPs
• Preparation of reagents and buffer solutions
• Maintaining accurate and traceable sample records within the LIMS
• Providing regular updates on sample inventory status and contributing to biobank quality assurance
• Laboratory housekeeping, including equipment maintenance and cleanliness
• Ensuring compliance with ethical and biosafety guidelines
  
  

Contribution to:

• Drafting and revising SOPs and laboratory reports
• Collaborative projects with external partners
• Executing qPCR and QC assays
  
  

Requirements

• Attention to Detail - Essential for precise sample processing and inventory management
• Strong Organisational Skills - Comfortable managing complex sample workflows and biobanking systems
• Process Discipline - Executes routine lab procedures with consistency
• Accurate Record-Keeping - Maintains detailed lab notebooks and sample logs
• Routine Laboratory Proficiency - Including pipetting, buffer prep, centrifugation, and other core wet-lab techniques
• Data Handling - Familiar with LIMS, Excel, or similar tools for entering and tracking experimental/sample data
• Time Management - Ability to meet daily targets in a repetitive task environment
• Communication - Effectively reports issues, sample deviations, or discrepancies
• Team Collaboration - Works cohesively with colleagues to maintain an organised, efficient lab space
• Adaptability - Responds effectively to evolving protocols and sample handling procedures
  
  

Knowledge And Experience

Essential:

• BSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cancer Biology, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 1 year laboratory experience, including handling of biospecimens
  
  

Desirable:

• Prior experience working with clinical samples or within a biobank setting
• Familiarity with sample accessioning, consent handling, and biospecimen traceability
• Exposure to regulated environments such as GCP, ISO 13485, or other GxP standards