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- Tasks: Support cutting-edge research in a hands-on laboratory role over the weekend.
- Company: Dynamic research environment focused on 7-day science.
- Benefits: Enjoy weekdays free while making a meaningful impact.
- Other info: Initial training during weekdays before transitioning to weekend shifts.
- Why this job: Perfect for detail-oriented individuals who thrive on independence and responsibility.
- Qualifications: Degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Opportunity: Research Technician – CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences)
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.
- 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 QC
- 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
- Sample manifest & Labelling QC
- Glass slide scanning support for routine project support
- 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
- 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, maximizing 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
Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Milton employer: Avantor
Contact Detail:
Avantor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Milton
✨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 recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio or examples of your work to the interview. If you’ve got hands-on experience with histology or IHC techniques, make sure to highlight that. We want to see how you can contribute to the team right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself on their radar and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, we love a bit of good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences) in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in biological sciences and laboratory techniques. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the weekend shift and how you can contribute to our dynamic research environment. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: In a lab setting, attention to detail is key. When filling out your application, make sure everything is accurate and well-organised. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and reliability right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re 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 IHC workflows. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires a proactive and organised mindset, prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Think of times when you successfully handled sample inventory or maintained laboratory equipment.
✨Communicate Clearly
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. Consider how you can demonstrate your collaborative approach during the interview.
✨Embrace the Weekend Shift
This role is all about working weekends, so be prepared to discuss your flexibility and reliability. Share why a weekend-focused schedule suits you and how you plan to maintain a work-life balance while contributing to the team.