Laboratory Technician in Croxton

The Opportunity:

Executes day-to-day lab operations & support objectives at customer facilities, following a defined standard output or set of procedures, focused on minimizing laboratory workflow interruptions. Problems and issues faced are generally recurring and solutions are typically known and/or prescribed. More complex problems are solved by applying methods learned through experience and/or using available support. Activities may include PPE and/or safety station checks and maintenance, reviewing defibrillators, extinguishers and dispensing areas to confirm working order, storage, tracking and distribution of chemicals/materials ensuring accurate inventory control, and hazardous waste collection and recycling. Collects, documents, and organizes data and observations. Communicates activity records, service level metrics and other information requiring some explanation or interpretation to team members, supervisors or customers.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Laboratory Technician Support Service is an on-site service solution for AstraZeneca, which underpins Avantor's Laboratory Support Service. The service includes consumable management, supporting waste management, housekeeping, and equipment maintenance in customer laboratories. These services are delivered in collaboration with other services and vendors to meet overall customer needs, HSE requirements, and allows scientists time to focus on their core role.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stock Management: Perform daily consumable replenishment at the point of use, utilising the site inventory system.
• Stock Rotation: Conduct regular checks of chemical and reagent expiry dates and arrange the disposal of any out-of-date material via the correct waste disposal route.
• Inventory Maintenance: Maintain the lab consumable inventory and support the identification of alternative products in the event of supply chain issues to prevent disruption to scientific work.
• Ordering: Manage the ordering of glassware, plasticware, and media preparation solutions and aliquots.
• PPE Management: Ensure maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stocks.
• Waste Management: Handle biological and chemical waste according to established procedures.
• Equipment Maintenance & Decontamination: Perform routine decontaminations of laboratory equipment (e.g., incubators, water baths, class II cabinets, and other equipment relevant to the site).
• Calibration: Calibrate pH meters.
• Appliance Upkeep: Defrost and clean fridges and freezers.
• Service Support: Support pipette calibration services.
• Housekeeping: Maintain general laboratory housekeeping standards.
• In-Lab Delivery Management: Manage in-lab deliveries of consumables, reagents, and other essential laboratory supplies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with relevant Lab Managers to understand and respond to support needed to maintain laboratory operations, including stock and reagent supply.
• Process Improvement: Proactively identify and support operational efficiencies by proposing, implementing, and reporting on process improvements.
• Health and Safety: Carry out all scientific support activities in accordance with Health and Safety (SHE) guidelines, Good Laboratory Standards (GLS) & Good x Practice (GxP). Adhere to SHE regulations, PPE policies, and follow Avantor work instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a GCSE in a science subject is required.
• A-levels or demonstrable relevant experience.
• A degree in a scientific discipline would be beneficial, although not mandatory.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus & Collaboration: Proven excellent customer service focus and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communication: Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Good problem-solving capabilities and the confidence to react promptly to deliver the best service possible.
• Planning & Organisation: Good planning, organisational, and analytical skills.
• Time Management & Flexibility: Effective time management skills, with the ability to be flexible and handle multiple responsibilities and tasks on a regular basis.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work effectively both independently and as a committed member of a team.
• IT Proficiency: Good IT skills required (including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Laboratory Experience (Desirable): Previous experience working in a laboratory environment is desirable but not essential.
• Team Commitment: Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, showing loyalty and commitment to team and organisational goals.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adjust working hours as needed to meet service demands and customer requirements.
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, energetic, and dependable with a proactive approach.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT

This role is primarily based within a scientific laboratory, with some tasks requiring office-based desk work. The position routinely involves the handling of, and potential exposure to, hazardous materials and substances, for which appropriate training and safety protocols are in place. Physical requirements include frequent walking, standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift or carry items typically weighing up to 20kg.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.