Sample Dispatch Technician (STV)

vwr; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

VWR in Stevenage is seeking a Laboratory Operations & Sample Dispatch Coordinator to manage day-to-day lab operations across client facilities, including handling gas cylinders, liquids, dry ice, and sampling for quality control.

You will coordinate workloads, ensure regulatory compliance for Dangerous Goods, prepare shipments globally, maintain records, and support audits while collaborating with internal teams and customers.

Qualifications

• A scientific degree or proof of multiple years of work-experience in a laboratory environment preferable in a specialised scientific discipline or regulated environment.
• Experience of shipping Dangerous Goo

Responsibilities

• Receive, accept, locate, and store samples, ensuring documentation and security checks per DG regulations.
• Prepare and dispatch goods with documentation meeting IATA, ADR, IMDG and GMP/GLP standards.
• Maintain continuous focus on Dangerous Goods compliance across operations.
• Deliver services in line with contractual obligations and SLAs.
• Coordinate daily workload and optimise scheduling to balance capacity.
• Assist in training new staff and supporting regulatory inspections.

Skills

Logistics coordination

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Education

Scientific degree or lab experience

Job description

The Opportunity:

Responsible for the day-to-day operational coordination of a varied range of lab operations & support activities at customer facilities. Coordinates activities such as the management of gas cylinders and liquid tanks, dry ice, and instrument buffers, solvents and liquid nitrogen, and sampling execution in support of quality control workflows. Coordinates task allocation and streamlines workflows, and contributes operationally to the activities coordinated. Collects, documents, organizes and reports data and observations. Independently solves problems requiring a broad and deep understanding of lab operations and making judgements on the basis of insights gained through experience. Communicates with internal teams and customers on matters that involve a requirement to understand, support and engage others. The purpose of this role within the Sample Dispatch Unit is to receive, pack, prepare and ship R&D samples (biological, chemical, radioactive, etc.) to any destination globally, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and transport regulations (air/road/sea) through the completion of technical logistic activities in a highly regulated function.

Major Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, accept, locate, and store samples, ensuring completion of all required documentation and performing security assessments in line with Dangerous Goods regulations (IATA, ADR, IMDG) and Department for Transport (DfT) requirements.
• Prepare and dispatch goods, ensuring all documentation meets IATA, ADR, IMDG, GMP, GLP, and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) standards.
• Maintain a continuous focus on improving Dangerous Goods compliance across operational activities.
• Take responsibility for day‑to‑day performance and delivery of services in accordance with contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Coordinate and execute daily operational workloads efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of all regulations relevant to service delivery.
• Recommend improvements to maximise flexibility and productivity within the team, promoting the sharing of best practices.
• Reconcile, complete, log, and file complex documentation in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to functional and cross‑functional projects, including evaluation and development of new processes or operational improvements.
• Resolve or escalate complex customer queries, particularly regarding internal and external material delivery.
• Uphold building security standards at all times in accordance with DfT requirements.
• Use strong technical knowledge to provide credible and reliable technical advice within specialised areas.
• Participate in preparation for regulatory inspections and support audits by providing documentation, explanations, and facility tours as required.
• Ensure all operational activities (e.g., order set‑up, batch record preparation, label generation, packing, labelling, warehousing, distribution) are carried out accurately, on time, and in line with GMP/GLP standards.
• Proactively balance weekly schedules by identifying and resolving capacity or resource constraints for short‑to mid‑term planning.
• Assist in training and supporting new staff members.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring and management of materials requiring special handling, storage, or temperature control (e.g., hazardous or temperature‑sensitive shipments).
• Maintain detailed knowledge of GMP/GLP requirements, materials management, warehousing processes, and distribution standards.
• Ensure all activities comply with defined schedules, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements, reporting and acting on any deviations.
• Support local leadership in developing, implementing, and reporting performance measures for the operational area.
• Perform and document all operational tasks‑such as labelling, handling, and distribution‑according to written procedures and GMP/GLP requirements, using both manual and automated systems.
• Ensure all necessary shipment documents and authorisations (e.g., Certificates of Analysis, import licences) are obtained in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of products, components, and consumables.
• Verify that incoming materials meet quality and quantity requirements, are accurately recorded in inventory systems, and are available when required.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring of facilities and environmental conditions as needed.
• Liaise with government bodies, customers, regulated agents, suppliers, manufacturers, and planning offices to resolve complex queries relating to sample delivery and collection.
• Act as a point of contact for key customers, communicating proactively to understand operational needs and business requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A scientific degree or proof of multiple years of work-experience in a laboratory environment preferable in a specialised scientific discipline or regulated environment.
• Experience of shipping Dangerous Goo