Responsible for the day-to-day operational coordination of a varied range of lab operations & support activities at customer facilities. Coordinates activities such as the management of gas cylinders and liquid tanks, dry ice, and instrument buffers, solvents and liquid nitrogen, and sampling execution in support of quality control workflows. Coordinates task allocation and streamlines workflows, and contributes operationally to the activities coordinated. Collects, documents, organizes and reports data and observations. Independently solves problems requiring a broad and deep understanding of lab operations and making judgements on the basis of insights gained through experience. Communicates with internal teams and customers on matters that involve a requirement to understand, support and engage others.
The purpose of this role within the Sample Dispatch Unit is to receive, pack, prepare and ship R&D samples (biological, chemical, radioactive, etc.) to any destination globally, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and transport regulations (air/road/sea) through the completion of technical logistic activities in a highly regulated function.
Major Job Duties and Responsibilities
Receive, accept, locate, and store samples, ensuring completion of all required documentation and performing security assessments in line with Dangerous Goods regulations (IATA, ADR, IMDG) and Department for Transport (DfT) requirements.
Prepare and dispatch goods, ensuring all documentation meets IATA, ADR, IMDG, GMP, GLP, and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) standards.
Maintain a continuous focus on improving Dangerous Goods compliance across operational activities.
Take responsibility for day‑to‑day performance and delivery of services in accordance with contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Coordinate and execute daily operational workloads efficiently and effectively.
Maintain awareness and understanding of all regulations relevant to service delivery.
Recommend improvements to maximise flexibility and productivity within the team, promoting the sharing of best practices.
Reconcile, complete, log, and file complex documentation in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Contribute to functional and cross‑functional projects, including evaluation and development of new processes or operational improvements.
Resolve or escalate complex customer queries, particularly regarding internal and external material delivery.
Uphold building security standards at all times in accordance with DfT requirements.
Use strong technical knowledge to provide credible and reliable technical advice within specialised areas.
Participate in preparation for regulatory inspections and support audits by providing documentation, explanations, and facility tours as required.
Ensure all operational activities (e.g., order set‑up, batch record preparation, label generation, packing, labelling, warehousing, distribution) are carried out accurately, on time, and in line with GMP/GLP standards.
Proactively balance weekly schedules by identifying and resolving capacity or resource constraints for short‑ to mid‑term planning.
Assist in training and supporting new staff members.
Ensure appropriate monitoring and management of materials requiring special handling, storage, or temperature control (e.g., hazardous or temperature‑sensitive shipments).
Maintain detailed knowledge of GMP/GLP requirements, materials management, warehousing processes, and distribution standards.
Ensure all activities comply with defined schedules, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements, reporting and acting on any deviations.
Support local leadership in developing, implementing, and reporting performance measures for the operational area.
Perform and document all operational tasks—such as labelling, handling, and distribution—according to written procedures and GMP/GLP requirements, using both manual and automated systems.
Ensure all necessary shipment documents and authorisations (e.g., Certificates of Analysis, import licences) are obtained in a timely manner.
Maintain appropriate stock levels of products, components, and consumables.
Verify that incoming materials meet quality and quantity requirements, are accurately recorded in inventory systems, and are available when required.
Conduct ongoing monitoring of facilities and environmental conditions as needed.
Liaise with government bodies, customers, regulated agents, suppliers, manufacturers, and planning offices to resolve complex queries relating to sample delivery and collection.
Act as a point of contact for key customers, communicating proactively to understand operational needs and business requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
A scientific degree or proof of multiple years of work-experience in a laboratory environment preferable in a specialised scientific discipline or regulated environment.
Experience of shipping Dangerous Goods as per current regulations (IATA, ADR, IMDG) would be beneficial
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of IATA, ADR and IMDG and Known Consignor Regulations
Knowledge and understanding of GMP/GLP systems
Some knowledge and experience of lean sigma processes an advantage.
SKILLS
Excellent attention to detail
Able to partner with other teams and suppliers and deliver results in a matrix environment, managing multiple internal and external partners and stakeholders.
Proficient in data capture, analysis and reporting utilising various IT systems
ABILITIES
An understanding of how the team interacts internally and externally within the organisation and how they contribute to the objectives of the business.
Outstanding communication skills on all levels and problem solving capabilities.
Proven excellent customer service focus and ability to work collaboratively.
Able to adapt emerging best practices and industry innovations
ENVIRONMENTAL Working Conditions
Located in office/Lab environment.
Work assignments are diversified. Examples of past precedent are used to resolve work problems.
New alternatives may be developed to resolve problems.
Minimal physical effort is required. Work is mostly sedentary but may require walking, standing,
bending, reaching, lifting or carrying objects that typically weigh less than 10 kg.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. 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. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Privacy Policy:
We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.
3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:
By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.
