Research Technician - Discovery Bioanalysis

Avantor; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant of sorts not listed

Job summary

Avantor in Cambridge, UK is seeking a laboratory professional to support laser microdissection and omics workflows. You will operate Leica LMD7 systems, perform precise tissue collection, and assist with sample preparation for transcriptomics and proteomics.

You will manage sample requests and metadata using LIMS/BSI systems, maintain chain-of-custody, and uphold rigorous quality control in a regulated lab environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Leica Laser Microdissection experience (LMD)
• Experience with LIMS/BSI sample tracking and metadata management
• Degree in Biosciences or equivalent
• Strong organisational skills and detail oriented
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and customer service
• Experience in regulated laboratory environments and following safety procedures

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain Leica LMD7 platform
• Perform precision collection of tissue areas for downstream omics applications
• Support sample preparation activities related to transcriptomics and proteomics
• Ensure high-quality sample collection and processing for research projects
• Manage sample requests and workflows using LIMS/BSI systems
• Maintain accurate sample metadata, inventory records, and chain-of-custody information
• Tissue accessioning, fixation, embedding, processing, and sectioning
• Conduct microscopic quality checks of tissue sections
• Maintain laboratory equipment and consumable inventories
• Prepare routine laboratory reagents and solutions
• Ensure laboratory housekeeping and compliance standards

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Independent working

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Customer service

Lab safety

Education

Degree in Biosciences or equivalent

Tools

Leica LMD7

LIMS

BSI

Job description

The Opportunity

Carries out a range of complex scientific support tasks at customer facilities, requiring significant interpretation of technical/scientific protocols to support research objectives effectively. Solves intricate research support and technical challenges independently, drawing on a deep understanding of laboratory techniques, experimental design, and past experiences to inform judgments and decisions. Supports nucleic acid workflows, performs DNA/RNA extraction and preparation for sequencing, and/or maintains and expands cell and tissue cultures, supporting R&D and production workflows. Collects, documents, and organizes data and observations, ensuring clarity and accessibility for review and analysis by research teams. Collaborates extensively with internal scientific support teams and customer contacts, facilitating communication and understanding across disciplines to meet customer's needs.

Location: Cambridge, UK

Contract: Permanent

Key Responsibilities

Laser Microdissection (Primary Focus)

• Operate and maintain the Leica LMD7 Laser Microdissection platform


• Perform precision collection of spatially resolved tissue areas for downstream omics applications


• Support sample preparation activities related to transcriptomics, proteomics, and other omics workflows


• Ensure high-quality sample collection and processing for research projects

Sample Tracking & Data Management

• Manage sample requests and workflows using BSI/LIMS systems


• Maintain accurate sample metadata, inventory records, and chain-of-custody information


• Support data integrity and sample traceability throughout the research lifecycle

Laboratory Operations

• Tissue accessioning, fixation, embedding, processing, and sectioning


• Perform image and metadata quality control assessments


• Conduct microscopic quality checks of tissue sections


• Support histology and laboratory workflows, including staining procedures where required


• Maintain laboratory equipment and consumable inventories


• Prepare routine laboratory reagents and solutions
  
• Ensure laboratory housekeeping and compliance standards are maintained

What We're Looking For

• Essential Hands‑on experience with Leica Laser Microdissection systems (LMD), ideally Leica LMD7


• Experience using LIMS or BSI sample inventory systems for sample tracking and metadata management


• Degree in Biosciences or equivalent laboratory experience


• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail


• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams


• Excellent communication and customer service skills


• Experience working within regulated laboratory environments and following safety procedures

Highly Desirable

• Histopathology experience within a research environment


• Tissue processing, sectioning, and histology techniques


• Understanding of omics workflows and sample preparation requirements


• Knowledge of the Human Tissue Act and laboratory compliance requirements


• Experience with digital imaging and image quality control

Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.