Sample Dispatch Technician (M/F/D)

vwr; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical and dental care

An extra day off for your birthday

Stable, long-term employment

Job summary

Avantor Cambridge is seeking a Sample Dispatch Technician to support the global shipment of R&D samples from our Cambridge site. This hands-on, operational role focuses on logistics, dispatch coordination, and shipment documentation to ensure on-time, compliant delivery.

You will handle packaging for biological and chemical samples, coordinate international shipments, and prepare customs paperwork in line with IATA/ADR/IMDG and REACH requirements.

Qualifications

• Secondary education (A-level or equivalent).
• Experience in logistics, shipping or operational roles.
• Knowledge of dangerous goods transport regulations is an advantage.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel between local Cambridge sites.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and package samples (biological, chemical, and dangerous goods).
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments via air, road, and sea.
• Prepare shipping documentation, labels, and customs paperwork in line with IATA / ADR / IMDG, CLP (GHS), and REACH requirements
• Proactively track shipments and resolve transport-related issues
• Handle shipment-related queries and collaborate with internal teams
• Manage dispatch materials and inventory
• Report KPIs and support operational tracking using Excel
• Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Deliver shipments between Cambridge sites using company vehicles when required

Skills

Logistics coordination

Shipment tracking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Secondary education (A-level or equivalent)

Job description

The Opportunity:

Cambridge, UK | The Discovery Centre - Bio-Medical Campus

Permanent | Full-time or Part-time (80%)

About the Role

Avantor is looking for a Sample Dispatch Technician to support the global shipment of R&D samples from our Cambridge site. This is a hands‑on, operational role focused on logistics, dispatch coordination, and shipment documentation.

The position does not involve scientific research or experimentation but plays a critical role in ensuring that samples are shipped safely, on time, and in full compliance with international regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and package samples (biological, chemical, and dangerous goods)
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments via air, road, and sea
• Prepare shipping documentation, labels, and customs paperwork in line with IATA / ADR / IMDG, CLP (GHS), and REACH requirements
• Proactively track shipments and resolve transport-related issues
• Handle shipment-related queries and collaborate with internal teams
• Manage dispatch materials and inventory
• Report KPIs and support operational tracking using Excel
• Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Deliver shipments between Cambridge sites using company vehicles when required

What We're Looking For

• Secondary education (A-level or equivalent), preferably in a scientific or technical field
• Experience in logistics, shipping, or operational roles
• Knowledge of dangerous goods transport regulations is an advantage
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel between local Cambridge sites when required
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic reporting tools

What We Offer

• Work at a state-of-the-art biomedical facility in Cambridge
• Flexible employment options: Full-time or Part-time (80%)
• Competitive salary plus bonus
• Pension scheme
• Private medical and dental care
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Stable, long‑term employment with global operational impact

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.

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.

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We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

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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 a