Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (Dls)

Avantor; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave + birthday

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Training opportunities

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) in Cambridge. This hands-on, lab-based role supports development, optimisation and validation of cutting-edge diagnostic assays, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and digital pathology.

You will work within a highly collaborative team across discovery and precision diagnostics programs, contributing to novel diagnostic solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• BSc (or equivalent) in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in diagnostic histopathology and/or IHC.
• Proven experience with microtomy and handling human tissue samples.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Strong attention to detail, data integrity and quality standards.
• Ability to manage your own workload while contributing to team objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day scientific and laboratory operational support.
• Independently undertake technical work in accordance with SOPs and quality standards.
• Support development, optimisation, verification and validation of diagnostic assays.
• Perform microtomy and tissue preparation across a range of human tissue types.
• Operate and maintain automated IHC and histology platforms (Ventana, Leica, Dako).
• Support digital pathology workflows including slide scanning, QC and troubleshooting.
• Ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO, HTA, GCP frameworks.
• Record and manage data using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Collaborate with scientists, project managers and cross-functional teams to communicate data.

Skills

Histopathology

IHC

Data integrity

Team collaboration

Education

BSc Biomedical Science or related

Tools

Ventana

Leica

Dako

Job description

Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS)

Location: Cambridge

Contract: 12-month contract

About the Role

We are recruiting a Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join our client's highly regulated, CAP-accredited laboratory environment in Cambridge. This is a hands-on, lab-based role supporting the development, optimisation and validation of cutting-edge diagnostic assays, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and digital/computational pathology. Working as part of a highly collaborative scientific team, you will support world-class discovery and precision diagnostics programs, contributing to novel diagnostic solutions that impact patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day scientific and laboratory operational support
• Independently undertake technical work in accordance with SOPs and quality standards
• Support development, optimisation, verification and validation of diagnostic assays
• Perform microtomy and tissue preparation across a range of human tissue types
• Operate and maintain automated IHC and histology platforms (e.g. Ventana, Leica, Dako)
• Support digital pathology workflows including slide scanning, QC and troubleshooting
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and quality frameworks (CAP/CLIA, ISO, HTA, GCP)
• Accurately record and manage data using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Work closely with scientists, project managers and cross-functional teams to communicate data and findings clearly

About You

Essential

• BSc (or equivalent experience) in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a diagnostic histopathology and/or IHC laboratory
• Proven experience with microtomy and handling human tissue samples
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment
• Strong attention to detail, data integrity and quality standards
• Ability to manage your own workload while contributing effectively to team objectives

Desirable

• Experience with assay development and validation
• Hands-on experience with automated IHC staining platforms
• Exposure to digital pathology and interest in advanced computational workflows
• Experience working within product development or design control frameworks

Why Join AVANTOR?

• Be part of cutting-edge research programmes supporting world-class discovery science
• Gain hands-on experience in a highly collaborative, industry-leading laboratory environment
• Work alongside expert scientists while continuously developing your technical skill set

Benefits Package

• 25 days annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday
• Competitive pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

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.

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.