Material Technician – Lab Environment in England

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Shipping Coordinator / Sample Technician to join the Drug Substance (DS) team within Biopharmaceutical Development for our customer at the Cambridge Discovery Centre. This is a lab-based, multidisciplinary role that underpins early drug development programmes through effective shipment coordination, internal sample management, and cold-storage inventory ownership. The role plays a critical part in ensuring materials move efficiently, compliantly, and on time, allowing scientists to focus on research and development activities. All work is performed in accordance with Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) requirements and Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).

Why This Role Could Be Right for You

If you have a life sciences background and are keen to broaden your experience beyond traditional lab work into sample logistics, materials management, and cross-functional coordination, this role offers a strong development opportunity. You will apply your scientific understanding in a real-world drug development environment, while gaining hands‑on exposure to shipping coordination, cold‑storage inventory ownership, laboratory systems, and process improvement activities. With training and on-the-job support provided, this position is ideal for someone who is detail‑oriented, proactive, and eager to learn new—but closely related—areas, building a broader skill set while remaining connected to science‑driven work.

Key Responsibilities

• Shipment Coordination & Logistics: Coordinate domestic and international shipments of Drug Substance materials. Prepare, review, and manage all shipment documentation, ensuring complete accuracy to prevent customs delays. Act as the primary liaison between internal DS scientists, the Sample Dispatch Unit (SDU), and other logistics stakeholders. Monitor, track, and follow up on complex and international shipments, resolving SDU or customs queries to ensure uninterrupted sample flow and avoid project delays.
• Internal Sample & Material Management: Oversee internal DS sample tracking and management, including DLIMS submissions. Support aliquoting and labelling activities, ensuring samples are correctly prepared for storage or dispatch. Maintain alignment with internal standards for sample management, traceability, and documentation.
• Cold‑Storage Inventory Ownership: Take full ownership of departmental freezer inventories (−80°C, −20°C, +4°C), including: Receiving and logging new materials. Fulfilling material requests. Stock tracking and usage monitoring. Supporting routine disposal activities. Supporting routine freezer cleaning. Ensure compliance with all standards relating to cold and ultra‑cold storage and inventory integrity.
• Systems Support & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary contact for DS scientists regarding Avantor shipping systems and storage workflows. Troubleshoot system or process issues, escalating where necessary to support continuous improvement. Collaborate closely with DS scientists, Avantor teams, and SDU to enhance shipping and material management processes.

Skills, Knowledge & Competencies

• Educated to HND or BSc level in a Life Science or related discipline; an understanding of protein structure is advantageous.
• Enthusiastic, flexible, and willing to learn, with a proactive approach to new responsibilities.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, with strong problem‑solving abilities and confidence to respond promptly.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Proven customer‑focused mindset with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Effective time management skills, with the flexibility to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of how Avantor Services interacts internally and externally to support business objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).