At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge team to support drug discovery and biomarker research.
- Company: Innovative bioanalysis company in Cambridge with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with a focus on quality and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience with Leica Laser Microdissection and LIMS/BSI systems is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Opportunity:
Research Technician - Laser Microdissection & Bioanalysis
Location: Cambridge, UK
Working on-site with our client
Contract: Permanent
Do you have hands-on experience with Leica Laser Microdissection and LIMS/BSI systems? We're supporting our client in the search for a Research Technician to join a cutting-edge Discovery Bioanalysis environment in Cambridge. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a team generating novel bioanalytical datasets that drive drug discovery and biomarker research.
This role is particularly suited to candidates with strong Laser Microdissection (LMD) experience using Leica platforms, proven experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)/BSI sample inventory systems, and an interest in histology specimen processing, including tissue accessioning, fixation, embedding, processing, and sectioning.
As a Research Technician, you will provide specialist laboratory support within a highly innovative bioanalysis team. You'll play a key role in the collection, processing, tracking, and quality control of biological samples that support downstream omics and translational research activities. Working closely with scientists and laboratory teams, you will help ensure the delivery of high-quality data while maintaining compliance with laboratory and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Laser Microdissection (Primary Focus)
- Operate and maintain the Leica LMD7 Laser Microdissection platform
- Perform precision collection of spatially resolved tissue areas for downstream omics applications
- Support sample preparation activities related to transcriptomics, proteomics, and other omics workflows
- Ensure high-quality sample collection and processing for research projects
- Sample Tracking & Data Management
- Manage sample requests and workflows using BSI/LIMS systems
- Maintain accurate sample metadata, inventory records, and chain-of-custody information
- Support data integrity and sample traceability throughout the research lifecycle
- Laboratory Operations
- Tissue accessioning, fixation, embedding, processing, and sectioning
- Perform image and metadata quality control assessments
- Conduct microscopic quality checks of tissue sections
- Support histology and laboratory workflows, including staining procedures where required
- Maintain laboratory equipment and consumable inventories
- Prepare routine laboratory reagents and solutions
- Ensure laboratory housekeeping and compliance standards are maintained
What We're Looking For
- Essential: Hands-on experience with Leica Laser Microdissection
Research Technician in Highfields employer: Avantor
As a Production Coordinator at our Lab 3 facility, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality services to a diverse customer base, including water testing companies and pharmaceutical production. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development, offering training opportunities and career advancement paths. Located in a vibrant area, our facility provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making it an excellent place for meaningful and fulfilling employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician in Highfields
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Avantor. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Avantor!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician in Highfields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Avantor that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Avantor.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Avantor does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Avantor. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Avantor's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Avantor. This shows your passion for the industry!
