Senior Technical Specialist - DMTA Sample Management

IQVIA; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist to join the Sample Management team, combining hands-on laboratory work with technical leadership, automation development and continuous improvement.

You will design, optimise and deliver automated sample handling workflows, troubleshoot complex technical challenges, and collaborate with scientists, engineers and vendors to advance drug-discovery capabilities.

Qualifications

• Significant laboratory experience in sample management or related field.
• Experience developing, optimising and troubleshooting laboratory workflows.
• Strong problem-solving and independent working skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimise automated liquid and sample handling methods.
• Troubleshoot complex technical and workflow challenges.
• Translate scientific requirements into robust automated processes.
• Work with automation platforms and sample management systems.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to capability development.

Skills

Lab automation

Sample management

Automation development

Mentoring

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Scientific degree

Tools

Labcyte Echo

HighRes

Beckman

Janus

Tecan Fluent

STP Mosquito

SmartCell

Hamilton Tube Store

Job description

Shape the future of drug discovery through automation, innovation and technical expertise.

Are you passionate about laboratory automation, sample management and solving complex technical challenges?

Do you thrive in an environment where you can influence how work is done, mentor others and help develop next-generation capabilities?

We're looking for a Senior Technical Specialist to join our Sample Management team at our Cambridge site. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist or technical specialist who wants to combine hands‑on laboratory work with technical leadership, automation development and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

As a key technical expert within the team, you'll play a vital role in supporting drug discovery programmes through the development, optimisation and delivery of automated sample management workflows.

You'll:

• Design, develop and optimise automated liquid and sample handling methods.
• Troubleshoot complex technical, workflow and equipment challenges.
• Translate scientific requirements into efficient, robust and scalable automated processes.
• Work with state‑of‑the‑art laboratory automation technologies and sample management platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency and throughput.
• Mentor and train colleagues, helping to build technical capability across the team.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, IT specialists and external vendors to deliver innovative solutions.
• Contribute to future technology and equipment planning, helping shape the strategic direction of the function.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in talented individuals who bring a combination of technical expertise, curiosity and a collaborative mindset.

You'll ideally have:

• Significant laboratory experience within sample management, laboratory automation, drug discovery or a related scientific environment.
• Experience developing, optimising and troubleshooting laboratory methods, protocols or workflows.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for sharing knowledge with others.
• The ability to mentor, coach and support colleagues' development.
• A scientific qualification or equivalent industry experience.

Experience with automation platforms such as Labcyte Echo, HighRes, Beckman, Janus, Tecan Fluent, STP Mosquito, SmartCell or Hamilton Tube Store would be advantageous, although we're equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate transferable automation expertise and a desire to learn.

Why Join Us?

This role offers much more than day‑to‑day technical delivery. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Work with cutting‑edge automation technologies supporting drug discovery.
• Develop expertise across multiple platforms and technologies.
• Influence technical strategy and future capability development.
• Lead improvement initiatives and make a visible impact.
• Mentor and develop others while continuing to grow your own career.
• Join a collaborative, supportive team that values innovation, learning and continuous improvement.

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

You’ll be someone who enjoys understanding how things work, finding better ways of doing them and helping others succeed.

You are technically curious, solutions‑focused and excited by the opportunity to contribute to scientific progress through automation and operational excellence.

If you're ready to take your technical expertise to the next level and play a key role in advancing drug discovery capabilities, we'd love to hear from you.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.