At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in laboratory activities and support client studies with biological sample analysis.
- Company: Join Charles River, a leader in drug development and safety assessment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to impact global health.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while building a fulfilling career.
- Qualifications: NAT5/Higher in Maths, Chemistry, or Biology; strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24050 - 24050 € per year.
For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform, and we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
We are seeking an Assistant Technician for our Clinical Pathology Laboratory department site located in Elphinstone, Tranent. Clinical Pathology is responsible for analysing biological samples, mostly fluids, taken from subjects which are part of toxicology and other regulatory studies. Training will be provided for use of our Laboratory Information Management System and working in a GLP environment.
Key Responsibilities- Tube preparation and delivery
- Preparation of study files
- Monitoring and maintaining levels of consumable products
- Data transfer and archiving procedures
- Filing
- Sample processing
- A NAT5/Higher or equivalent qualification in two of Maths, Chemistry and Biology
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to pay attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- IT literate with experience of Microsoft packages
Salary: £24,050.50 per annum.
Closing date for applications: 26 May 2026.
Job DescriptionPerforms technical laboratory activities in support of client studies or procedures. Performs analysis of data for quality and completeness and determines if results are as expected. Records data in compliance with company and regulatory policies and standards to meet quality and accuracy requirements. Executes scientific testing strategies and studies. May participate in development as part of team. May lead assay research, assay validation or study conduct, or is involved in preparation of material (e.g. protein, nucleic acid, cells, etc.). Reviews and interprets study data, communicates results to clients and writes final reports. Ensures compliance with protocols and all applicable SOPs. Troubleshoots and resolves assay or technical issues in the laboratory when scientific expertise is needed. Contributes to specific dataset interpretation, or when appropriate answering questions from regulatory authorities.
EducationNo degree required.
About Safety AssessmentCharles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles RiverCharles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
Assistant Technician employer: Charles River Laboratories
At Charles River, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where every employee plays a vital role in advancing global health. Located in Elphinstone, Tranent, our Clinical Pathology Laboratory offers comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can grow your career while contributing to meaningful drug therapies. With a commitment to employee well-being and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, joining our team means being part of a family dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Charles River. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to the Assistant Technician role. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with recruiters or during interviews, let them know why you’re excited about working in Clinical Pathology and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨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 the Charles River family!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Technician role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially in Maths, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as your organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Charles River. Keep it concise but impactful!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:In the lab, attention to detail is key. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. This shows us you take pride in your work and understand the importance of accuracy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of clinical pathology and the specific tasks mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with terms like GLP, assay validation, and data archiving. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since strong organisational skills are a must for this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or maintained attention to detail. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in any lab environment. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you might need to communicate results to clients or team members. Think of a few scenarios where you had to convey important information effectively.
✨Be IT Savvy
As the role requires IT literacy, especially with Microsoft packages, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. If you have any specific examples of how you've used technology to improve processes or manage data, make sure to highlight those during the interview.
