Research Technician – CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences)
Location: Cambridge
Working Pattern: Friday to Monday | Weekend Shift
Ever felt like a Monday-to-Friday lab routine just isn’t your thing?
Good news — science doesn’t stop at the weekend, and neither do we.
Our client has expanded their Clinical Pharmacy & Safety Sciences operations to enable 7-day science, and they’re looking for an experienced Research Technician to play a critical role in keeping discovery research moving while the rest of the week slows down.
This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role where your expertise directly supports cutting-edge research. If you enjoy independence, responsibility, and a work pattern that gives you your weekdays back — this could be your perfect fit.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a key member of the Weekend Services team, you’ll act as the bridge between science teams and timelines, ensuring continuity, quality, and consistency across CPSS activities.
Key responsibilities include:
Histology & Sample Preparation
Sample receipt, inventory/acquisition
Tissue trimming, processing, embedding, block melting, sectioning, and filing (FFPE and frozen)
Routine H&E staining (manual and autostainer) (FFPE & Frozen)
Sample & Glass slide QC
IHC platform & Antibody-Based Workflow Support
General IHC platform support including experiment set up & slide loading/unloading
Platform maintenance, waste disposal, reagent replenishment, instrument decontamination
Antibody conjugation (including IMC antibodies)
Antibody inventory management and stock control
Digitisation & Imaging
Instrumentation & Equipment Maintenance
H&E Autostainer Management (reagents, maintenance, decontamination)
General laboratory reagent replenishment & stock checks
General laboratory equipment decontaminations ahead of service & repairs
Fridges and freezers organisation in line with safety requirements
Laboratory Operations & Project Support
Slide, block, sample filing and archiving
Shipping and receipt of samples and deliveries
Supporting day to day Laboratory Operations across multiple labs
Managing and updating worklists and request statuses, conducting weekly team handovers
Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for a confident, detail-oriented Research Technician who enjoys owning their work and making a visible impact.
You’ll bring:
A degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience
Practical experience in the aforementioned techniques
Comfort working with IT systems and Microsoft Office tools
A proactive, organised mindset with excellent attention to detail
Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
The flexibility and reliability needed to thrive in a weekend-based role
Other Information
There may be a requirement to work certain bank holidays during the year
To support a strong onboarding experience, successful candidates will typically work Monday to Friday for the first 2–3 weeks, maximising training time with our client’s on-site science teams, before transitioning to the weekend shift pattern
Why Join?
Work within a dynamic research environment
Enjoy a weekend-focused schedule with weekdays free
Be part of a growing operation enabling true 7-day science
Make a meaningful impact — your work keeps critical research running
Apply now and bring your expertise to a role that fits your lifestyle.
Science doesn’t take weekends off — and this is your chance to be part of the team that makes that possible.
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.
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