Laboratory Technician

Executes day-to-day lab operations & support objectives at customer facilities, following a defined standard output or set of procedures, focused on minimizing laboratory workflow interruptions. Problems and issues faced are generally recurring and solutions are typically known and/or prescribed.​ More complex problems are solved by applying methods learned through experience and/or using available support. Activities may include PPE and/or safety station checks and maintenance, reviewing defibrillators, extinguishers and dispensing areas to confirm working order, storage, tracking and distribution of chemicals/materials ensuring accurate inventory control, and hazardous waste collection and recycling. Collects, documents, and organizes data and observations. Communicates activity records, service level metrics and other information requiring some explanation or interpretation to team members, supervisors or customers.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Laboratory Technician Support Service is an on-site service solution for AstraZeneca, which underpins Avantor’s Laboratory Support Service. The service includes consumable management, supporting waste management, housekeeping, and equipment maintenance in customer laboratories. These services are delivered in collaboration with other services and vendors to meet overall customer needs, HSE requirements, and allows scientists time to focus on their core role.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stock Management: Perform daily consumable replenishment at the point of use, utilising the site inventory system.
• Stock Rotation: Conduct regular checks of chemical and reagent expiry dates and arrange the disposal of any out-of-date material via the correct waste disposal route.
• Inventory Maintenance: Maintain the lab consumable inventory and support the identification of alternative products in the event of supply chain issues to prevent disruption to scientific work.
• Ordering: Manage the ordering of glassware, plasticware, and media preparation solutions and aliquots.
• PPE Management: Ensure maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stocks.
• Waste Management: Handle biological and chemical waste according to established procedures.
• Equipment Maintenance & Decontamination: Perform routine decontaminations of laboratory equipment (e.g., incubators, water baths, class II cabinets, and other equipment relevant to the site).
• Calibration: Calibrate pH meters.
• Appliance Upkeep: Defrost and clean fridges and freezers.
• Service Support: Support pipette calibration services.
• Housekeeping: Maintain general laboratory housekeeping standards.
• In-Lab Delivery Management: Manage in-lab deliveries of consumables, reagents, and other essential laboratory supplies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with relevant Lab Managers to understand and respond to support needed to maintain laboratory operations, including stock and reagent supply.
• Process Improvement: Proactively identify and support operational efficiencies by proposing, implementing, and reporting on process improvements.

Health and Safety:

• Carry out all scientific support activities in accordance with Health and Safety (SHE) guidelines, Good Laboratory Standards (GLS) & Good x Practice (GxP).
• Adhere to SHE regulations, PPE policies, and follow Avantor work instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a GCSE in a science subject is required.
• A-levels or demonstrable relevant experience.
• A degree in a scientific discipline would be beneficial, although not mandatory.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus & Collaboration: Proven excellent customer service focus and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communication: Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.
• Problem-Solving: Good problem-solving capabilities and the confidence to react promptly to deliver the best service possible.
• Planning & Organisation: Good planning, organisational, and analytical skills.
• Time Management & Flexibility: Effective time management skills, with the ability to be flexible and handle multiple responsibilities and tasks on a regular basis.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work effectively both independently and as a committed member of a team.
• IT Proficiency: Good IT skills required (including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Laboratory Experience (Desirable): Previous experience working in a laboratory environment is desirable but not essential.
• Team Commitment: Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, showing loyalty and commitment to team and organisational goals.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adjust working hours as needed to meet service demands and customer requirements.
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, energetic, and dependable with a proactive approach.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT

This role is primarily based within a scientific laboratory, with some tasks requiring office-based desk work. The position routinely involves the handling of, and potential exposure to, hazardous materials and substances, for which appropriate training and safety protocols are in place. Physical requirements include frequent walking, standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift or carry items typically weighing up to 20kg.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.

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 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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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.