At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate materials and manage logistics in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Avantor Services, a leader in laboratory support for pharmaceutical research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and career development in a scientific setting.
- Other info: Join a global team dedicated to advancing life-changing science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on drug development while expanding your skills beyond traditional lab work.
- Qualifications: HND or BSc in Life Sciences; detail-oriented and proactive mindset required.
Location: Cambridge, Discovery Centre
Contract Type: Temporary - 12 months
About Avantor Services
Avantor Services provides a broad range of on‑site laboratory services for major pharmaceutical customers. We work collaboratively with our customers to deliver essential scientific and operational support, enabling research teams to focus on their core activities while improving laboratory efficiency and productivity.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Material Technician to join the Drug Substance (DS) team within Biopharmaceutical Development at our client's Cambridge Discovery Centre. This is a lab‑based, multidisciplinary role that underpins early drug development programs through material coordination, shipment logistics, internal sample management, and cold‑storage inventory ownership. The role plays a critical part in ensuring materials move efficiently, compliantly, and without delay, allowing scientists to remain focused on research and development delivery. All activities are carried out in accordance with Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) requirements and Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).
Why This Role Could Be Right for You
If you have a life sciences background and are keen to broaden your experience beyond traditional lab work into sample logistics, materials management, and cross‑functional coordination, this role offers a strong development opportunity. You will apply your scientific understanding in a real‑world drug development environment, while gaining hands‑on exposure to shipping coordination, cold‑storage inventory ownership, laboratory systems, and process improvement activities. With training and on‑the‑job support provided, this position is ideal for someone who is detail‑oriented, proactive, and eager to learn new‑but closely related‑areas, building a broader skill set while remaining connected to science‑driven work.
Key Responsibilities
- Material Coordination & Shipping Logistics
- Coordinate the shipment of materials for the DS group, including: Plasmid DNA, Control monoclonal antibodies, Non‑GLP and GLP toxicology lots, CLD cell lines, PPS bulk materials, Analytical samples for external assays (HCP, DNA, ProA, ISF, bioassay, density)
- Prepare, review, and manage all shipment documentation, ensuring full accuracy to prevent customs delays
- Act as the primary liaison between Internal DS scientists, Sample Dispatch Unit (SDU), Avantor logistics stakeholders
- Monitor, track, and follow up on complex and international shipments, resolving SDU or customs queries to avoid project delays
- Internal Sample & Material Management
- Oversee internal sample tracking and management, including DLIMS submissions
- Support aliquoting and labelling activities, ensuring samples are correctly prepared for storage and dispatch
- Maintain alignment with internal standards for sample traceability, handling, and documentation
- Cold‑Storage Inventory Ownership
- Take ownership of departmental freezer inventories (−80°C, −20°C, +4°C), including: Receipt and logging of new materials, Fulfilment of material requests, Stock tracking and usage monitoring, Supporting routine disposal activities, Supporting routine freezer cleaning
- Ensure compliance with all cold and ultra‑cold storage standards and inventory integrity requirements
- Systems Support & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Act as the primary contact for scientists regarding Avantor shipping systems and storage workflows
- Troubleshoot system or process issues and escalates where necessary
- Collaborate with scientists, Avantor teams, and SDU to drive continuous improvement in shipping and material management processes
Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
- Educated to HND or BSc level in a Life Science or related discipline
- Understanding of protein structure is advantageous
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organisational, planning, and time‑management skills
- Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging across scientific and operational teams
- Customer‑focused, collaborative, and service‑oriented mindset
- Flexible and proactive, with the ability to handle multiple responsibilities and priorities
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Standards (GLS)
Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life‑changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better.
Material Technician - Lab Environment in Cambridge employer: PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
Intapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the accounting and consulting sectors across EMEA. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Intapp provides ample opportunities for professional development and leadership coaching, ensuring that team members thrive in their careers while contributing to the company's strategic vision. The culture is built on accountability and high performance, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
Contact Details:
PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Material Technician - Lab Environment in Cambridge
✨Join Biotechnology Meetups
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We think you need these skills to ace Material Technician - Lab Environment in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Lab Skills:In the biotech world, your lab skills are paramount. Make sure your CV highlights specific techniques and equipment you’ve used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cell culture. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) as a temporary teammate.
Highlight Your Research Experience:If you’ve worked on any research projects — whether during your studies or in previous positions — make sure to detail these in your application. Include the objective, your role, and what you achieved. This will help us see your potential and fit for the temporary position at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Especially for a temporary role, we want to see a clear and focused application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the biotech field and the specific role at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein). This shows us you’re genuinely interested and capable.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since it’s a temporary role, let us know right away when you’re available to start and how long you can commit. Include this in your cover letter — this kind of transparency saves us all time and helps us find the right fit quickly at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
How to prepare for a job interview at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
✨Brush Up on Your Biotech Basics
Understanding the fundamental concepts in biotechnology is crucial. Be ready to discuss core topics like genetics, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, especially if you're asked technical questions. We suggest revisiting your coursework or recent projects to refresh your memory.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, they’re likely looking for someone who can jump in and get up to speed quickly. Share experiences where you’ve adapted to new environments, tools, or teams in a short space of time. It shows you're ready to tackle the challenge head-on!
✨Emphasise Your Lab Experience
If you’ve got hands-on experience in lab settings, now’s the time to showcase it. Talk about specific techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, and any relevant safety protocols you’ve followed. These details help paint you as an effective team member from day one.
✨Be Prepared to Explain Your Passion
Hiring managers want to see your motivation, especially for a temporary position in a fast-paced field like biotechnology. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the industry, your career goals, and how this role at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) aligns with them. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a stepping stone in your biotech journey.
