The Opportunity:
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

• Sample manifest & Labelling QC
• Glass slide scanning support for routine project support

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 via the company portal 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.

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.