Sample Dispatch Technician

Location: Cambridge, GBR
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00
Contract Type: Fixed-term (Maternity Cover), Full-time

The Opportunity:
Executes day-to-day inventory & material management tasks at customer facilities, following a varied set of procedures. Tasks include the management and processing (storage, handling, inventory control and distribution) of critical materials used in laboratory and production environments, such as consumables, chemicals, solvents and reagents. Problems and issues are typically less concrete and frequently changing, like unexpected shortages of critical consumables due to supplier delays, differences between recorded inventory levels and actual stock, requiring an investigation into miscounts, misplaced items, or data entry errors, or expired chemicals or reagents that were not properly rotated, leading to waste and requiring adjustments to storage protocols. Problems and issues are solved by applying experience from comparable situations in the past and/or selecting solutions within known alternatives.​ Communicates inventory related information, activity records, service level metrics and other information requiring explanation or interpretation to team members, supervisors or customers.

About the Role
Avantor is looking for a Sample Dispatch Technician to support the global shipment of R&D samples from our Cambridge site. This is a hands‑on, operational role focused on logistics, dispatch coordination, and shipment documentation.
The position does not involve scientific research or experimentation, but plays a critical role in ensuring that samples are shipped safely, on time, and in full compliance with international regulations.
This is a temporary position covering maternity leave (1 year) , offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a global operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, and package samples (biological, chemical, and dangerous goods)
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments via air, road, and sea
• Prepare shipping documentation, labels, and customs paperwork in line with IATA / ADR / IMDG, CLP (GHS), and REACH requirements
• Proactively track shipments and resolve transport‑related issues
• Handle shipment‑related queries and collaborate with internal teams
• Manage dispatch materials and inventory
• Report KPIs and support operational tracking using Excel
• Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Potential to deliver shipments between Cambridge sites using company vehicles

What We’re Looking For

• Secondary education (A-level or equivalent), preferably in a scientific or technical field
• Experience in logistics, shipping, or operational roles
• Knowledge of dangerous goods transport regulations is an advantage
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic reporting tools

What We Offer

• Work at a state‑of‑the‑art biomedical facility in Cambridge
• Competitive salary plus bonus
• Pension scheme
• Private medical and dental care
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Stable, long-term employment with global operational impact

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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.

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.