Shipping Coordinator Lab Environment
Location: Cambridge Discovery Centre
Contract Type: Temporary 12 months
About Avantor Services
Avantor Services provides a broad range of on-site laboratory services for major pharmaceutical customers. We work collaboratively with our customers to deliver essential scientific and operational support enabling research teams to focus on their core activities while improving laboratory efficiency and productivity.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Shipping Coordinator / Sample Technician to join the Drug Substance (DS) team within Biopharmaceutical Development for our customer at the Cambridge Discovery Centre.
This is a lab-based multidisciplinary role that underpins early drug development programmes through effective shipment coordination internal sample management and cold-storage inventory ownership. The role plays a critical part in ensuring materials move efficiently compliantly and on time allowing scientists to focus on research and development activities.
All work is performed in accordance with Safety Health & Environment (SHE) requirements and Good Laboratory Standards (GLS).
Why This Role Could Be Right for You
If you have a life sciences background and are keen to broaden your experience beyond traditional lab work into sample logistics materials management and cross-functional coordination this role offers a strong development opportunity.
You will apply your scientific understanding in a real-world drug development environment while gaining hands-on exposure to shipping coordination cold-storage inventory ownership laboratory systems and process improvement activities.
With training and on-the-job support provided this position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented proactive and eager to learn newbut closely relatedareas building a broader skill set while remaining connected to science-driven work.
Key Responsibilities
Shipment Coordination & Logistics
Coordinate domestic and international shipments of Drug Substance materials
Prepare review and manage all shipment documentation ensuring complete accuracy to prevent customs delays.
Act as the primary liaison between internal DS scientists the Sample Dispatch Unit (SDU) and other logistics stakeholders.
Monitor track and follow up on complex and international shipments resolving SDU or customs queries to ensure uninterrupted sample flow and avoid project delays.
Internal Sample & Material Management
Oversee internal DS sample tracking and management including DLIMS submissions.
Support aliquoting and labelling activities ensuring samples are correctly prepared for storage or dispatch.
Maintain alignment with internal standards for sample management traceability and documentation.
Cold-Storage Inventory Ownership
Take full ownership of departmental freezer inventories (80C 20C 4C) including:
Receiving and logging new materials
Fulfilling material requests
Stock tracking and usage monitoring
Supporting routine disposal activities
Supporting routine freezer cleaning
Ensure compliance with all standards relating to cold and ultra-cold storage and inventory integrity.
Systems Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary contact for DS scientists regarding Avantor shipping systems and storage workflows.
Troubleshoot system or process issues escalating where necessary to support continuous improvement.
Collaborate closely with DS scientists Avantor teams and SDU to enhance shipping and material management processes.
Skills Knowledge & Competencies
Educated to HND or BSc level in a Life Science or related discipline; an understanding of protein structure is advantageous
Enthusiastic flexible and willing to learn with a proactive approach to new responsibilities
High level of attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication skills at all levels with strong problem-solving abilities and confidence to respond promptly
Strong organisational and planning skills
Proven customer-focused mindset with the ability to work collaboratively
Effective time management skills with the flexibility to handle multiple tasks and priorities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Understanding of how Avantor Services interacts internally and externally to support business objectives
Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Standards (GLS)
Interested Lets apply!
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 14000 associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes peoples 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 moms 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 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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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.
Required Experience:
IC