Laboratory Technician (Chemistry)
About Vernalis
Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in fragment and structure-based drug discovery.
Our scientists develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.
The Role
This laboratory-based position plays an integral role in the operational support of laboratories at Vernalis and aids the work of our teams and the smooth running of the associated drug discovery projects. This role will be responsible for conducting a range of standard laboratory-based and stock-taking activities while adhering to the daily hygiene and health and safety protocols of the laboratories.
Key responsibilities
- Ensuring essential chemicals, solvents, reagents and consumables are kept at appropriate levels by diligent stocktaking, ordering and storage
- Safely disposing of hazardous waste in line with government regulations and in-house procedures
- Scientific glassware washing
- Registration and distribution of chemicals
- Assisting with maintenance and inspection of lab equipment
- Assisting with routine steps in sample preparation and assays, as required
- Working and liaising with other Research departments
- Maintaining inventory of chemical samples and storage locations
- Accurate and safe weighing of milligram to gram quantities of solid compound samples
- Preparation of liquid samples for assays and analysis
- Efficient use of sample management systems and informatics tools
- Recording of data and procedural information in an electronic lab notebook
- Preparation, packing, documenting and tracking of compound sample shipments
Experience
Previous technical experience within a laboratory-based environment is desirable
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic research setting
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- High attention to detail and able to multitask and prioritise
- Proficient with IT systems and software such as Microsoft Excel and Teams
The Person
- Enthusiastic, reliable with a conscientious attitude
- Proactive, with a desire to take responsibility
- Comfortable to ask questions and consult with senior employees and team members for clarification when uncertain
- Willingness to embrace new technologies and carry out improvements to working practice
Why Vernalis?
At Vernalis you will be part of ‘One Team’ working in a friendly and collaborative office.
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave for a full-time position plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies.
Whilst we are advertising this vacancy as a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) we would also like to hear from you if you prefer to work 5 shorter days, Monday to Friday as other working patterns can be considered.
If you feel passionate about joining a team where scientific excellence and enthusiasm combine in a friendly and flexible environment to impact drug discovery projects, then please get in touch!
To apply please send across your CV to: HR@vernalis.com.
Please include a covering letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this position.
Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.