At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on histology support in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Avantor Services, a leader in laboratory management for pharmaceuticals.
- Benefits: Gain experience in innovative drug development and work with top scientists.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a world-class pharmaceutical research setting.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: BSc in a relevant field and at least 1 year of histology experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Location: Cambridge, UK
Avantor Services provides on-site Laboratory and Materials Management Services to leading pharmaceutical organisations. We are currently seeking a Senior Histology Technician to join our team supporting the AstraZeneca Translational Pathology Laboratories in Cambridge. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly collaborative Biomarker Science & Technologies / Translational Pathology environment, supporting tissue-based activities across multiple drug development programmes from early research through to clinical development.
The Role
This is a hands-on laboratory position providing operational and technical histology support within a regulated environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality histology services while ensuring compliance with all applicable procedures and regulations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Histological sectioning and tissue handling
- Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction
- Cell pellet processing
- Supporting selected staining activities using manual and automated methods
- Laboratory equipment maintenance and routine operational support
- Accurate completion of laboratory documentation and records
- Working in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Human Tissue Act (HTA) requirements
- Supporting a multidisciplinary team across translational pathology projects
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience
- At least 1 year of experience within histology, pathology, tissue-based laboratory operations, or another regulated laboratory environment
- Experience in histological sectioning and tissue processing
- Experience with Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction and/or cell pellet processing
- Experience performing or supporting staining activities
- Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory operations
- Knowledge of GCP regulations and compliant laboratory practices
- Understanding of regulations governing the ethical use and handling of human tissue samples
- Excellent attention to detail and strong documentation skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards
- Experience with IHC, IF, ISH, or related tissue-based staining techniques
Desirable Experience
- Master's degree in a scientific discipline
- Experience within translational medicine, biomarker laboratories, pathology laboratories, or clinical trial support environments
- Experience working within an HTA-regulated environment
- Familiarity with audit, inspection, deviation, CAPA, and change control processes
- Experience with digital pathology, slide scanning, or laboratory tracking systems
- Understanding of cancer biology and pathology
Please note: Due to the hands-on nature of this position, only candidates with demonstrable practical laboratory experience in histology and tissue-based workflows will be considered. Applicants should be able to clearly evidence their direct involvement in relevant techniques and laboratory processes outlined in this job description.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience within a world-class pharmaceutical research environment, contributing to innovative drug development programmes while working alongside leading scientists and pathology specialists.
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.
Senior Histology Technician in Cambourne employer: Avantor
Avantor is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, a strong focus on professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while ensuring compliance with Health and Safety standards. With a culture that values attention to detail and teamwork, Avantor fosters a supportive atmosphere for growth and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Histology Technician in Cambourne
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Histology Technician in Cambourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Lab Skills:In the biotech world, your lab skills are paramount. Make sure your CV highlights specific techniques and equipment you’ve used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cell culture. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to Avantor as a temporary teammate.
Highlight Your Research Experience:If you’ve worked on any research projects — whether during your studies or in previous positions — make sure to detail these in your application. Include the objective, your role, and what you achieved. This will help us see your potential and fit for the temporary position at Avantor.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Especially for a temporary role, we want to see a clear and focused application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the biotech field and the specific role at Avantor. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and capable.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since it’s a temporary role, let us know right away when you’re available to start and how long you can commit. Include this in your cover letter — this kind of transparency saves us all time and helps us find the right fit quickly at Avantor.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Brush Up on Your Biotech Basics
Understanding the fundamental concepts in biotechnology is crucial. Be ready to discuss core topics like genetics, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, especially if you're asked technical questions. We suggest revisiting your coursework or recent projects to refresh your memory.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, they’re likely looking for someone who can jump in and get up to speed quickly. Share experiences where you’ve adapted to new environments, tools, or teams in a short space of time. It shows you're ready to tackle the challenge head-on!
✨Emphasise Your Lab Experience
If you’ve got hands-on experience in lab settings, now’s the time to showcase it. Talk about specific techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, and any relevant safety protocols you’ve followed. These details help paint you as an effective team member from day one.
✨Be Prepared to Explain Your Passion
Hiring managers want to see your motivation, especially for a temporary position in a fast-paced field like biotechnology. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the industry, your career goals, and how this role at Avantor aligns with them. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a stepping stone in your biotech journey.
