Material Technician – Lab Environment in Milton Keynes

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).