At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cutting-edge genomics projects in a hands-on laboratory role.
- Company: Avantor Services, a leader in pharmaceutical research.
- Benefits: Gain experience in a world-class lab with opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing life-changing science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative medicines and patient treatments.
- Qualifications: BSc in a relevant field and at least 1 year of histology experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Opportunity: Senior Histology Technician - Genomics Focus (12-Month Temporary Contract)
Location: Cambridge, UK
Avantor Services provides on-site Laboratory and Materials Management Services to leading pharmaceutical organisations. We are currently seeking a Senior Histology Technician - Genomics Focus to join our team supporting the AstraZeneca Translational Pathology Laboratories in Cambridge. This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Biomarker Science & Technologies / Translational Pathology environment, supporting tissue-based activities across multiple AstraZeneca drug development programmes from early research through to clinical development. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting both histology operations and pathology workflows associated with genomics projects.
The Role
This is a hands-on laboratory position providing operational and technical histology support within a regulated environment. Key responsibilities include:
- Tissue receipt, embedding, and histological sectioning
- Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction
- Cell pellet processing
- H&E staining and slide preparation
- Sample receipt and processing for genomics-related projects
- Tissue scrape, tissue annotation, and macrodissection activities
- Coordinating compliant sample handover to Genomics teams
- Supporting laboratory equipment maintenance and operational upkeep
- Accurately documenting laboratory activities in regulated systems
- Working in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Human Tissue Act (HTA) requirements
- Supporting multidisciplinary project teams across translational pathology and genomics workflows
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience
- At least 1 year of experience within histology, translational pathology, tissue-based laboratory operations, or another regulated laboratory environment
- Experience in histological sectioning, tissue handling, and laboratory record keeping
- Experience supporting laboratory equipment maintenance and laboratory operations
- Knowledge of GCP regulations and compliant laboratory practices
- Understanding of regulations governing the ethical use and handling of human tissue samples
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and compliant records
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience with Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction and cell pellet processing
- Experience with H&E staining, tissue scrape, tissue annotation, and macrodissection
- Experience supporting genomics-related sample preparation workflows
- Experience working within an HTA-regulated environment
- Familiarity with digital pathology, sample tracking systems, or regulated documentation systems
- Experience supporting audits, inspections, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls
- Knowledge of pathology and translational medicine workflows
Important Notice
This role requires proven hands-on laboratory experience in histology and tissue-based workflows. Due to the technical nature of the position, only candidates with demonstrable practical experience in relevant histology techniques and laboratory processes will be considered. Applicants should clearly evidence their direct involvement in the skills and activities outlined within this advertisement.
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to work within a world-class pharmaceutical research environment, supporting cutting-edge translational pathology and genomics programmes that contribute to the development of innovative medicines. If you have the required hands-on histology experience and are looking to contribute to impactful scientific research, we encourage you to apply.
Sr Histology Genomics Focused Technician employer: Avantor
Avantor is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, a strong focus on professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while ensuring compliance with Health and Safety standards. With a culture that values attention to detail and teamwork, Avantor fosters a supportive atmosphere for growth and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Histology Genomics Focused Technician
✨Get Involved with Local Research Groups
Look for temporary roles in biology by connecting with local universities or research institutions. Attend open seminars, conferences, or even lab tours to network with professionals and discover any upcoming opportunities—sometimes they even need extra hands on short projects!
✨Leverage Social Media and Forums
Join online communities or forums related to biology—places like Twitter, Reddit, or even LinkedIn groups can be goldmines for discovering temporary roles. Follow industry leaders and engage with their content to make your presence known in the community.
✨Tap into Job Boards Specialised in Science
Sites focussed on science jobs, such as Nature Jobs or BioSpace, are perfect for temporary roles in biology. Set up alerts for relevant keywords to stay ahead of the game and apply as soon as you find something that fits your skill set!
✨Consider Seasonal Work and Internships
Biology often has seasonal hiring—look for internships or temp positions during peak times like summer. These roles can lead to great experience and connections that might open doors for future opportunities. Just remember, we encourage you to apply through our website to streamline your application process with Avantor!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Histology Genomics Focused Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:For a temporary role in biology, make sure to highlight any specific lab techniques or research experiences you've participated in. If you've worked on any projects, mention your contributions and what you learned – this is what will catch Avantor's eye!
Keep It Fluid and Adaptable:Given that it's a temporary position, your application should reflect your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly. In your cover letter, discuss how your background has prepared you to jump into new situations or adapt to different lab environments in a heartbeat.
Certifications Matter!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like lab safety or specific research methodologies, be sure to include them in your CV. These can really demonstrate your readiness for immediate contributions at Avantor and save time during the hiring process.
Reflect Your Passion for Biology:Let your enthusiasm shine through your application! We want to see your genuine interest in biology and any recent trends or discoveries that fascinate you. This will show Avantor you’re not just a good choice for the role, but also a super-motivated candidate who’s keen to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Since this is a biology role, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in the lab. We should highlight any techniques or experiments you've performed that relate to the job, as those practical skills could really impress your interviewers at Avantor.
✨Brush Up on Key Concepts
Make sure we're familiar with recent developments in the field of biology. Interviewers might throw in some technical questions related to current research or methodologies. A quick review of recent papers or breakthroughs could give us a unique angle during our chat with Avantor.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
Given that this is a temporary role, we should stress our adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers like Avantor want to know that we're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples of how we've quickly adjusted to new environments or tasks in the past.
✨Prepare a Quick Project Summary
It might be useful to prepare a brief overview of any relevant projects or studies we've worked on. We can frame it in a way that showcases our contributions and what we learned, demonstrating how that experience will be beneficial in our role at Avantor.
