Avantor
Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences)

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Research Technician - CPSS (Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences)
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
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


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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 recruiting@avantorsciences.com 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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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.
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