Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS)

Avantor; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Job summary

Avantor in Cambridge is seeking a Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join a regulated, CAP‑accredited laboratory environment. You will develop, optimise and validate diagnostic assays including histopathology, IHC and digital pathology, contributing to world‑class discovery and precision diagnostics programs.

The role involves hands‑on lab work, data handling and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• BSc in Biomedical Science or related field.
• Minimum 2 years in diagnostic histopathology or IHC.
• Experience in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Proven microtomy and handling tissue samples.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
• Ability to manage workload and contribute to team.

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.

Skills

Histology

IHC

Lab operations

Data management

Regulatory compliance

Education

BSc in Biomedical Science

Tools

Ventana

Leica

Dako

LIMS

Job description

The Opportunity

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

• 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.

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.

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