Sample Dispatch Technician

Avantor; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for

Birthday

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a proactive Sample Dispatch Technician to coordinate end-to-end global shipments of research samples, ensuring strict adherence to Dangerous Goods and regulatory standards. The role requires collaboration with internal teams, customers, and external partners to maintain accuracy and compliance.

You will handle documentation, liaise with authorities, and support audits and process improvements in a fast-paced, regulated environment focused on quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Scientific degree or equivalent experience in a laboratory, logistics, or regulated environment.
• Experience shipping Dangerous Goods (IATA, ADR, IMDG) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Dangerous Goods regulations and Known Consignor requirements.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accept, store, and manage samples with accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and dispatch shipments in line with IATA, ADR, IMDG, GMP, GLP, and SHE standards.
• Complete, reconcile, and maintain complex shipment documentation per regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all shipment documents and authorisations (e.g. import licences, COAs) are obtained timely.
• Coordinate daily workloads and ensure service delivery meets SLAs and contractual obligations.
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulations and ensure compliance across activities.
• Monitor hazardous and temperature-sensitive shipments and manage special handling requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure availability of products and consumables.
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Act as point of contact for internal teams, customers, and logistics partners.

Skills

DG regulations knowledge

Documentation handling

Regulated logistics processes

Education

Scientific degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Sample Dispatch Technician

Stevenage & Ware, UK (Full-Time, On-Site)

About The Opportunity

We are partnering with a key player in the life sciences sector, offering an exciting opportunity for a Sample Dispatch Technician to join a highly regulated scientific operations environment. This role focuses on the global shipment of R&D samples, ensuring all materials—biological, chemical, or radioactive—are handled, prepared, and shipped in full compliance with international transport and regulatory requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for your birthday
• Opportunity to join a growing organisation in the life sciences sector

The Role

As a Sample Dispatch Technician, you will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of sample shipments globally, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all dispatch activities.

This is a technically focused role requiring strong knowledge of Dangerous Goods regulations, documentation, and regulated logistics processes, along with close collaboration with internal teams, customers, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, accept, store, and manage samples, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with Dangerous Goods and transport regulations
• Prepare and dispatch shipments in line with IATA, ADR, IMDG, GMP, GLP, and SHE standards
• Complete, reconcile, and maintain complex shipment documentation in line with regulatory requirements
• Ensure all shipment documentation and authorisations (e.g. import licences, Certificates of Analysis) are obtained in a timely manner
• Coordinate daily operational workloads and ensure service delivery meets SLAs and contractual obligations
• Maintain strong awareness of relevant regulations and ensure compliance across all activities
• Monitor and manage materials requiring special handling, including hazardous and temperature-sensitive shipments
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure availability of products, components, and consumables
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and compliance
• Act as a point of contact for internal teams, external stakeholders, and customers regarding sample dispatch queries
• Liaise with government bodies, suppliers, and logistics partners to resolve complex shipment issues
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory readiness activities
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with training and onboarding of new team members
• Ensure all operational activities are performed accurately, on time, and in line with GMP/GLP standards

Expectations

• Scientific degree or equivalent experience within a laboratory, logistics, or regulated environment
• Experience in shipping Dangerous Goods (IATA, ADR, IMDG) is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of Dangerous Goods regulations and Known Consignor requirements
• Understanding of GMP and GLP environments and compliance standards
• Experience handling complex documentation and working within regulated frameworks
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate operational workloads effectively
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Customer-focused mindset with strong problem-solving ability
• Familiarity with inventory systems, logistics processes, and sample tracking systems
• Exposure to continuous improvement or lean processes is advantageous
• Self-motivated, organised, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to build or further develop a career in regulated logistics and sample management, working within a global life sciences environment where compliance, precision, and collaboration are key.

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.

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.

Privacy Policy

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role. Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.