At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in laboratory activities and analyse biological samples for drug development.
- Company: Join Charles River, a leader in drug therapy discovery and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £24,050.50 and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with training provided in a GLP setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while building a passionate 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. In return, 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 include the following:
- Tube preparation and delivery
- Preparation of study files
- Monitoring and maintaining levels of consumable products
- Data transfer and archiving procedures
- Filing
- Sample processing
The following are minimum requirements related to the Assistant Technician position:
- 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
The salary for this role is £24,050.50 per annum. Closing date for applications is 26 May 2026.
Job Description: Performs 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.
About Safety Assessment: Charles 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.
About Charles River: Charles 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.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years. At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to fostering a sense of belonging and work daily in this direction.
Assistant Technician 1 employer: Safety Assessment
At Charles River, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values every employee's contribution to advancing global health. Located in Elphinstone, Tranent, our Clinical Pathology Laboratory provides comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while making a meaningful impact in the field of drug development. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that is passionate about improving lives and committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Technician 1
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Charles River on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of GLP environments and laboratory procedures. We want to show that we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to teamwork and problem-solving. We need to demonstrate our strong communication skills and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the Charles River family.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Technician 1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Technician role. Highlight your relevant skills in Maths, Chemistry, and Biology, and show us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:Since strong organisational skills are a must for this position, give examples of how you've successfully managed tasks or projects in the past. We want to see that you can keep things running smoothly in a lab environment!
Communicate Clearly:Good communication skills are key, so make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate clarity just as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Charles River!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safety Assessment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Maths, Chemistry, and Biology. Since the role requires a NAT5/Higher or equivalent qualification in these subjects, being able to discuss relevant concepts confidently will show that you're prepared and serious about the position.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
The job involves a lot of data handling and sample processing, so be ready to demonstrate your strong organisational skills. Bring examples of how you've managed tasks or projects in the past, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure attention to detail in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly, as you may need to communicate results to clients or team members. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in a team setting.
✨Get Familiar with IT Tools
Since the role requires IT literacy, especially with Microsoft packages, make sure you're comfortable using these tools. If you have experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems, mention it! Being tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
