Onsite Laboratory Specialist

Avantor; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and growing R&D team in a role that supports laboratory operations and enhances productivity. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with R&D scientists, focusing on analytical testing support for novel protein products. You will play a crucial role in maintaining sample management systems and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. An established industry player is committed to your career development and offers a competitive salary and benefits. If you're enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and eager to learn, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• HND or BSc in Life Sciences or related field required.
• Laboratory experience preferred, especially in biological sample handling.

Responsibilities

• Support Analytical Science laboratories by managing sample management systems.
• Coordinate testing at external laboratories and ensure compliance with quality systems.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service focus

IT skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)

Education

HND or BSc in Life Sciences

Job description

The Opportunity:

Under limited supervision, responsible for assisting with facilities and laboratory operations, customer service delivery, and environmental health and safety. Serve as a relationship leader to the customer and licensees. Communicate safety initiatives and other customer information to ensure compliance with site SOPs.

Role Scope:

Avantor Services provides a broad range of on-site Laboratory Services for major pharmaceutical clients, collaborating closely to deliver core scientific activities and enhance laboratory productivity.

AstraZeneca seeks an individual within Avantor Services to join the Analytical Sciences Group in Biopharmaceutical Development as a Sample Manager.

This multidisciplinary role supports laboratory operations, enabling R&D scientists to focus on their core activities. The main function of the Analytical Sciences group is to provide analytical testing support (Physicochemical and Bioassay) for novel protein products used in clinical and non-clinical formulations and R&D applications. The role is primarily lab-based, focusing on delivering scientific and technical support in accordance with SHE guidelines and Laboratory Standards.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Support Analytical Science laboratories by maintaining sample management systems, including:
• Organizing fridge/freezer inventories
• Managing automated freezers
• Aliquoting materials based on DLMS testing requests
• Managing DLIMS sample status for incoming samples
• Managing Reference Standards and GLP-tox Drug Substance supplies
• Aliquoting and labeling critical reagents and managing stock levels
• Aliquoting, vialing, and labeling materials such as Mock linearity and Cell banks

• Serve as a science point of contact for shipments, liaising with Avantor shipment coordinators and AZ Gaithersburg sample management group for incoming and outgoing materials.
• Coordinate testing at external laboratories or subcontracted services, e.g., Bioburden testing.
• Ensure activities comply with schedules and quality systems, reporting deviations as needed.
• Author reports and procedural documents as required.
• Promote AstraZeneca and Avantor health and safety practices consistently.

Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

• HND or BSc in Life Sciences or related field.
• Laboratory experience preferred, e.g., biological sample handling.
• Enthusiastic, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to respond promptly.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proven customer service focus and collaborative working ability.
• Effective time management, capable of handling multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of how the Avantor Services team interacts internally and externally, contributing to business objectives.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Offer:

This position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic, growing R&D team and a company committed to developing candidates in specific areas. We provide a competitive salary and benefits, with flexible working arrangements based on experience and qualifications.

For more information, contact Andrew Carr, Research Services Team Lead, at [e-mail].

Interested? Email your application to: [e-mail]

Or send your application to:

HR Department, Hunter Boulevard, Magna Park, Lutterworth LE17 4XN

Closing Date:

Disclaimer:

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role and are not exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of over 14,000 passionate associates advancing life-changing science. Our work impacts lives—bringing new treatments, enabling medical devices, and creating opportunities for growth. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting your career growth and success. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender, race, religion, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. For accommodations during the application process, contact [e-mail].

Privacy Policy:

We will use your personal information solely for application purposes. Please review our Privacy Policy.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

Submitting candidates without a formal engagement or outside our recruitment process may result in forfeiting fees. We work with preferred suppliers and do not accept unsolicited recruitment.