The Opportunity
Senior Histology Technician (12-Month Temporary Contract)
Location: Cambridge, UK

Avantor Services provides on-site Laboratory and Materials Management Services to leading pharmaceutical organisations. We are currently seeking a Senior Histology Technician to join our team supporting the AstraZeneca Translational Pathology Laboratories in Cambridge.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly collaborative Biomarker Science & Technologies / Translational Pathology environment, supporting tissue-based activities across multiple drug development programmes from early research through to clinical development.

The Role
This is a hands-on laboratory position providing operational and technical histology support within a regulated environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality histology services while ensuring compliance with all applicable procedures and regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Histological sectioning and tissue handling
• Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction
• Cell pellet processing
• Supporting selected staining activities using manual and automated methods
• Laboratory equipment maintenance and routine operational support
• Accurate completion of laboratory documentation and records
• Working in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Human Tissue Act (HTA) requirements
• Supporting a multidisciplinary team across translational pathology projects

About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience
• At least 1 year of experience within histology, pathology, tissue-based laboratory operations, or another regulated laboratory environment
• Experience in histological sectioning and tissue processing
• Experience with Tissue Microarray (TMA) construction and/or cell pellet processing
• Experience performing or supporting staining activities
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory operations
• Knowledge of GCP regulations and compliant laboratory practices
• Understanding of regulations governing the ethical use and handling of human tissue samples
• Excellent attention to detail and strong documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards
• Experience with IHC, IF, ISH, or related tissue-based staining techniques

Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:

• Master's degree in a scientific discipline
• Experience within translational medicine, biomarker laboratories, pathology laboratories, or clinical trial support environments
• Experience working within an HTA-regulated environment
• Familiarity with audit, inspection, deviation, CAPA, and change control processes
• Experience with digital pathology, slide scanning, or laboratory tracking systems
• Understanding of cancer biology and pathology

Please note: Due to the hands-on nature of this position, only candidates with demonstrable practical laboratory experience in histology and tissue-based workflows will be considered. Applicants should be able to clearly evidence their direct involvement in relevant techniques and laboratory processes outlined in this job description.

Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience within a world-class pharmaceutical research environment, contributing to innovative drug development programmes while working alongside leading scientists and pathology specialists.

Apply today to become part of a team helping to advance cutting-edge translational science and improve patient outcomes.

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.