At a Glance
- Tasks: Support day-to-day lab activities in a modern drug discovery environment.
- Company: Join a leading life sciences organisation in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential for cross-functional support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while developing your lab skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a lab setting and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27360 - 29120 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: £13 - £14 p/h (commensurate with experience)
Duration: Anticipated 12 month contract initially
Proclinical is working alongside a discovery-focused life sciences organisation which is based in Cambridge and is seeking a Chemistry Laboratory Technician to join its laboratory operations team. This is a hands-on, lab-based role supporting day-to-day chemistry lab activities within a modern drug discovery environment.
The position is central to ensuring laboratories run smoothly, enabling scientists to focus on core research and discovery work. It will primarily support the Chemistry function, with scope to provide wider operational support across related scientific teams as the organisation continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Laboratory & Inventory Support: Register incoming chemicals into the laboratory inventory system, manage consumables, reagents and solvent stock using structured stock control processes (e.g. Kanban), place chemical and consumable orders via catalogue and non-catalogue systems.
- Waste & Compliance: Prepare, label and manage chemical waste streams in line with regulatory requirements, coordinate waste collections with internal and campus-wide teams, support COSHH documentation for laboratory technician activities.
- Laboratory Operations: General laboratory housekeeping and support tasks, dry ice top-ups, liquid nitrogen refills and gas cylinder checks, preparation of solutions and LCMS solvent management, routine fume hood airflow checks, monitor and replenish PPE, spill kits and first aid supplies, coordinate lab coat laundering.
- Equipment Support: Basic support of open-access analytical equipment (e.g. LC-MS, NMR), including solvent management and routine checks, raise maintenance requests and liaise with vendors where required.
- Cross Functional Support: Provide operational resilience across other laboratory functions, including biology, compound management and DMPK as needed.
Experience & Skills:
- Demonstrable experience working in a laboratory environment.
- Good understanding of laboratory operations, safety and compliance.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Competent IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office).
Desirable (but not essential):
- Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- Knowledge of COSHH and chemical inventory systems.
- Exposure to LC-MS, NMR or HPLC in a support capacity.
- Experience with procurement or stock management systems.
Chemistry Laboratory Technician in Cambridge employer: Proclinical
Contact Detail:
Proclinical Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemistry Laboratory Technician in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Chemistry Laboratory Technician role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! If you can, volunteer or take on internships in labs to boost your practical skills. This not only makes your CV shine but also gives you real-world stories to share during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common lab scenarios and safety protocols. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Chemistry Laboratory Technician role. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, we’re here to help – just reach out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chemistry Laboratory Technician in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chemistry Laboratory Technician role. Highlight any relevant lab experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our lab operations. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In a lab environment, attention to detail is key. Make sure to highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated this skill, whether it's through managing inventory or ensuring compliance with safety regulations. We appreciate precision!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proclinical
✨Know Your Lab Basics
Make sure you brush up on your laboratory operations knowledge. Familiarise yourself with safety protocols, compliance regulations, and inventory management systems like Kanban. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational skills, prepare examples of how you've managed stock or maintained lab equipment in the past. Be ready to explain your approach to keeping things orderly and efficient in a busy lab environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position involves working within a multidisciplinary team, so be prepared to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to a team project, highlighting your ability to work well with diverse groups.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the lab's operations or the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their expectations!