At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cutting-edge research in a hands-on laboratory role over the weekend.
- Company: Join Avantor, a leader in life-changing science and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a weekend-focused schedule with weekdays free and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a strong onboarding experience and supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying a unique work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Opportunity:
Location: Cambridge
Working Pattern: Friday to Monday | Weekend Shift
Ever felt like a Monday-to-Friday lab routine just isn’t your thing? Good news — science doesn’t stop at the weekend, and neither do we. Our client has expanded their Clinical Pharmacy & Safety Sciences operations to enable 7-day science, and they’re looking for an experienced Research Technician to play a critical role in keeping discovery research moving while the rest of the week slows down. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role where your expertise directly supports cutting-edge research. If you enjoy independence, responsibility, and a work pattern that gives you your weekdays back — this could be your perfect fit.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a key member of the Weekend Services team, you’ll act as the bridge between science teams and timelines, ensuring continuity, quality, and consistency across CPSS activities. Key responsibilities include:
- Histology & Sample Preparation
- Sample receipt, inventory/acquisition
- Tissue trimming, processing, embedding, block melting, sectioning, and filing (FFPE and frozen)
- Routine H&E staining (manual and autostainer) (FFPE & Frozen)
- Sample & Glass slide QCIHC platform & Antibody-Based Workflow Support
- General IHC platform support including experiment set up & slide loading/unloading
- Platform maintenance, waste disposal, reagent replenishment, instrument decontamination
- Antibody conjugation (including IMC antibodies)
- Antibody inventory management and stock control
- Digitisation & Imaging
- Sample manifest & Labelling QC
- Glass slide scanning support for routine project support
- Instrumentation & Equipment Maintenance
- H&E Autostainer Management (reagents, maintenance, decontamination)
- General laboratory reagent replenishment & stock checks
- General laboratory equipment decontaminations ahead of service & repairs
- Fridges and freezers organisation in line with safety requirements
- Laboratory Operations & Project Support
- Slide, block, sample filing and archiving
- Shipping and receipt of samples and deliveries
- Supporting day to day Laboratory Operations across multiple labs
- Managing and updating worklists and request statuses, conducting weekly team handovers
Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for a confident, detail-oriented Research Technician who enjoys owning their work and making a visible impact. You’ll bring:
- A degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience
- Practical experience in the aforementioned techniques
- Comfort working with IT systems and Microsoft Office tools
- A proactive, organised mindset with excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
- The flexibility and reliability needed to thrive in a weekend-based role
Other Information
There may be a requirement to work certain bank holidays during the year. To support a strong onboarding experience, successful candidates will typically work Monday to Friday for the first 2–3 weeks, maximising training time with our client’s on-site science teams, before transitioning to the weekend shift pattern.
Why Join?
- Work within a dynamic research environment
- Enjoy a weekend-focused schedule with weekdays free
- Be part of a growing operation enabling true 7-day science
- Make a meaningful impact — your work keeps critical research running
Apply now and bring your expertise to a role that fits your lifestyle. Science doesn’t take weekends off — and this is your chance to be part of the team that makes that possible.
Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Cambridge employer: Avantor
Avantor is an exceptional employer that offers a unique weekend-focused work schedule, allowing you to reclaim your weekdays while contributing to groundbreaking research in Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences. With a commitment to employee growth and a dynamic, inclusive culture, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills and make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment. Join our global team and be part of a mission that advances life-changing science in the vibrant city of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and the role thoroughly. We suggest practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or family. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio or examples of your work to interviews. We want to see how your hands-on experience aligns with the role. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in biological sciences and any hands-on lab techniques you've mastered. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this weekend-based role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us your passion for science.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:In a lab environment, attention to detail is key. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure their application is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like histology and sample preparation. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these processes will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires a proactive and organised mindset, prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlighting your attention to detail and ability to keep things running smoothly will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms, as you may need to bridge gaps between different teams. This will demonstrate your collaborative approach and ability to work well within a team.
✨Embrace the Weekend Shift
This role is all about working weekends, so be ready to discuss why this schedule suits you. Share your enthusiasm for contributing to 7-day science and how you can maintain a positive attitude while working outside the traditional Monday-to-Friday routine.
