Scientific Equipment Technician

We are looking for a Scientific Equipment Technician to join the team located at one of our client sites in Cambridge. The role assists in the provision of a high-quality engineering service to a range of Scientific Equipment within the R&D community. Through prompt fault finding and efficient maintenance planning to ensure maximum uptime of scientific equipment supporting increased time for science for our customers. Work closely with all members of the Technical Lab Services Team and provide a proactive and focused approach, optimising service delivery and equipment up-time. The role provides cross-platform engineering support on both Automation and Analytical systems. This includes but is not limited to Automation systems (ie Cell analytical equipment, Liquid Handling devices, Target equipment base, Thermo, Hamilton, Molecular Devices, Matrix, Tecan, Beckman, Compound Management Storage, Microplate Imaging…) and analytical lab equipment & peripherals (ie Mass Spec, uPLC, HPLC, NMR, flow cytometry, helium recovery systems...).

Job Responsibilities:

• Act as 'first-responder' for critical equipment breakdowns, ensuring minimal impact on scientific activity.

• Ensure prompt, flexible, customer-focused support whilst maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

• Support engineers in diagnosing and resolving faults with complex equipment and systems using both internal and external support.

• Carry out engineering maintenance, calibrations and commissioning work associated with scientific systems, in a safe, cost-effective manner to ensure minimum business disruption.

• Use technical knowledge to identify and source components and services.

• ​Assist co-ordination of repair and maintenance activities for external vendor visits.

• Establish & maintain strong relationships with the Vendors/Service Organizations and science groups.

• Assist in creating, managing and reviewing supporting documentation ie service reports, SOP’s, Maintenance schedules and work instructions and relevant safety documentation.

• Support users in the preparation/design of SOPs, Change Control and the deviation, manuals and drawings.

• Support Management Teams to ensure all support activities are completed in a satisfactory manner.

• Adhere to risk assessments and methods in line with engineering standards and health & safety requirements.

• Ensure a detailed task specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement is completed prior to any work commencing.

• Report any accidents or near misses experienced, or witnessed, to Line Management in timely manner.

• Co-operate and assist in all aspects of health & safety procedures introduced by management for their well-being.

• Wear PPE when conditions are required by relevant risk assessment, method statement or mandatory signage.

• Act as ambassador to OneSource PerkinElmer, ensuring delivery of first-class service at all times.

• Participate in training activities to gain better understanding of scientific equipment, via Vendor or in-house.

•  ​Develop knowledge of equipment assets and science, to enable understanding of current and new technologies utilized by AZ. 

Critical Skills:

• Experience with Laboratory Instrument Support sector across a wide range of scientific equipment from both Automation platforms and Analytical systems.

• Ability to work in multi-skilled laboratory engineers with the experience and capability to maintain a range of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.  

• Strong relationship management and excellent communication and influencing skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team of highly skilled engineers.

• Strong analytical skills with proven ability to resolve complex problems

• Experience of working in a fast paced, operational environment.

• Knowledge and understanding of EHS procedures.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• High customer focus.

• Excellent Team-player demonstrating integrity & ownership, driven by achieving results and passionate about making an impact to both customer and patient care.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least level 3 qualification relevant to engineering or science discipline

• Experience within the Laboratory Instrument Support sector across a wide range of scientific and/or automated systems. (This would include but not be limited to: Cell analytical equipment, Liquid Handling devices, Flow Cytometry, Target equipment base, Thermo, Hamilton, Molecular Devices, Matrix, Tecan, Beckman, Compound Management Storage, Microplate Imaging)

• PC literates in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).

Desired Experience:

• Degree/HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant engineering or science discipline

• PC hardware/architecture and Communication Systems knowledge (Ethernet/RS232, etc.)

• Advanced Modern Apprenticeship with NVQ 3 in engineering.

• Degree Electrical / Electronic/Science/Engineering

• Pharmaceutical / Regulated working background

• Validation, calibration and QC experience

• CMMS experience

Working Environment:

• Role is site based on a customer site in Cambridge

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory. 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time 

• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite, frequently operating around instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.   

• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

What we offer:

• 25 days of annual leave plus all Bank Holidays

• Income Protection Insurance that ensures your income is protected when life takes the unexpected turn

• Life Assurance for added peace of mind

• Access to our WeCare Programme, offering medical, mental health, legal, and financial support

• MyStrength – a personalised wellbeing app

• AXA Health & Wellbeing App to help you stay on top of your health

• Private Medical Insurance, including Doctor at Hand for 24/7, 365 access to a GP

• Enhanced company pension contributions (subject to increased employee contribution) to help you plan for the future

• Exclusive discounts via Benefit Hub and BHN Extras

• Generous employee referral rewards

• Season Ticket Loan Scheme to make commuting easier

• Cycle to Work Scheme promoting a healthier, greener commute