Research Technician - Discovery Bioanalysis

VWR, part of Avantor; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Research Technician in Cambridge to support bioanalysis and omics workflows using Leica Laser Microdissection and LIMS/BSI systems. This role focuses on tissue collection, data tracking and ensuring data quality in a cutting-edge Discovery Bioanalysis environment.

You will work closely with scientists, perform tissue processing, maintain sample metadata, and uphold safety and regulatory standards in a permanent, on-site position offering long-term career prospects.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leica LMD

LIMS/BSI systems

Biosciences degree

Organisational skills

Independent work

Communication skills

Safety procedures

Education

Biosciences degree

Tools

Leica LMD7

LIMS/BSI systems

Job description

The Opportunity:

Carrying 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.

Research Technician - Laser Microdissection & Bioanalysis

Location: Cambridge, UK Working on-site with our client
Contract: Permanent

Do you have hands‑on experience with Leica Laser Microdissection and LIMS/BSI systems?

We're supporting our client in the search for a Research Technician to join a cutting‑edge Discovery Bioanalysis environment in Cambridge. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a team generating novel bioanalytical datasets that drive drug discovery and biomarker research.

This role is particularly suited to candidates with strong Laser Microdissection (LMD) experience using Leica platforms , proven experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)/BSI sample inventory systems , and an interest in histology specimen processing, including tissue accessioning, fixation, embedding, processing, and sectioning .

The Opportunity

As a Research Technician, you will provide specialist laboratory support within a highly innovative bioanalysis team. You'll play a key role in the collection, processing, tracking, and quality control of biological samples that support downstream omics and translational research activities.

Working closely with scientists and laboratory teams, you will help ensure the delivery of high‑quality data while maintaining compliance with laboratory and regulatory standards.

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

Why Apply?

• Join a world‑class research environment supporting breakthrough scientific discovery
• Work with advanced technologies including Leica Laser Microdissection
• Play a key role in translational science and biomarker research
• Permanent opportunity with long‑term career prospects
• Collaborative team culture within a highly innovative laboratory setting

If you’re a laboratory professional with strong Laser Microdissection (Leica) experience and confidence working with LIMS/BSI systems , we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to apply your specialist skills in a leading research environment while contributing directly to impactful scientific programmes.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life‑changing science.
The work we do changes people’s lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom’s voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
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. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.