At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate materials and logistics in a dynamic lab environment to support drug development.
- Company: Avantor Services, a leader in laboratory services for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and career growth in a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing life-changing science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug development while expanding your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: HND or BSc in Life Sciences; detail-oriented and proactive mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Opportunity: We are seeking a Material Technician to join the Drug Substance (DS) team within Biopharmaceutical Development at our client's Cambridge Discovery Centre. This is a lab-based, multidisciplinary role that underpins early drug development programs through material coordination, shipment logistics, internal sample management, and cold-storage inventory ownership. The role plays a critical part in ensuring materials move efficiently, compliantly, and without delay, allowing scientists to remain focused on research and development delivery. All activities are carried out 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
- Material Coordination & Shipping Logistics: Coordinate the shipment of materials for the DS group, including Plasmid DNA, Control monoclonal antibodies, Non-GLP and GLP toxicology lots, CLD cell lines, PPS bulk materials, and Analytical samples for external assays (HCP, DNA, ProA, ISF, bioassay, density). Prepare, review, and manage all shipment documentation, ensuring full accuracy to prevent customs delays. Act as the primary liaison between internal DS scientists, Sample Dispatch Unit (SDU), and Avantor logistics stakeholders. Monitor, track, and follow up on complex and international shipments, resolving SDU or customs queries to avoid project delays.
- Internal Sample & Material Management: Oversee internal sample tracking and management, including DLIMS submissions. Support aliquoting and labelling activities, ensuring samples are correctly prepared for storage and dispatch. Maintain alignment with internal standards for sample traceability, handling, and documentation.
- Cold-Storage Inventory Ownership: Take ownership of departmental freezer inventories (-80°C, -20°C, 4°C), including receipt and logging of new materials, fulfilment of material requests, stock tracking and usage monitoring, supporting routine disposal activities, and supporting routine freezer cleaning. Ensure compliance with all cold and ultra-cold storage standards and inventory integrity requirements.
- Systems Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary contact for scientists regarding Avantor shipping systems and storage workflows. Troubleshoot system or process issues and escalate where necessary. Collaborate with scientists, Avantor teams, and SDU to drive continuous improvement in shipping and material management processes.
Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:
- Educated to HND or BSc level in a Life Science or related discipline.
- Understanding of protein structure is advantageous.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational, planning, and time-management skills.
- Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging across scientific and operational teams.
- Customer-focused, collaborative, and service-oriented mindset.
- Flexible and proactive, with the ability to handle multiple responsibilities and priorities.
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).
Material Technician employer: Avantor
Avantor Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Cambridge Discovery Centre where you can contribute to life-changing science. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join our diverse team and take advantage of unique opportunities to expand your skills in a meaningful role that directly impacts drug development and patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Material Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Material Technician role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, volunteer or take on internships related to lab work or materials management. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Good Laboratory Standards (GLS) and sample logistics. Be ready to discuss how your background in life sciences can contribute to efficient material coordination and shipping logistics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Avantor and contributing to life-changing science.
We think you need these skills to ace Material Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Material Technician role. Highlight your life sciences background and any relevant experience in sample logistics or materials management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, be sure to showcase your attention to detail in your application. Mention specific examples where you've successfully managed complex tasks or maintained compliance with standards. It’ll help us see you as a great fit!
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication skills are key for this position. In your written application, use clear and concise language. Make it easy for us to understand your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Material Technician role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Materials
Familiarise yourself with the types of materials you'll be handling, like plasmid DNA and monoclonal antibodies. Understanding their properties and how they are used in drug development will show your potential employer that you're serious about the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was in lab work or project management, showcasing this skill can set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and priorities. You might want to share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, especially when dealing with shipping logistics and inventory management.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves liaising with scientists and logistics teams, being able to communicate complex information simply will demonstrate your collaborative mindset and customer-focused approach.
