Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician (Fixed-Term Project Role)

Location: Bard Manufacturing Facility

Department: Quality Control / Analytical Operations

Job Type: Fixed-Term (Project-Based, 2-Year Contract)

Reports to: QC Operations Manager / Laboratory Manager

Join us and make a difference when it matters most!

At Bard, we are committed to ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of the medicines supplied to patients worldwide. As part of our continued commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance, we are seeking a Sample Management Coordinator to support the efficient administration, tracking, shipment, and disposition of analytical samples across Bard laboratories and external European testing facilities.

This role plays a critical part in supporting batch release activities by ensuring analytical samples and associated documentation are managed accurately, securely, and within defined timelines.

Role Summary

The Sample Management Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end management of analytical samples required for product testing and release activities.

The role ensures all samples are correctly logged, tracked, shipped, and accounted for within established timelines while maintaining compliance with GMP, GDP, import/export regulations, and company procedures. The post-holder will act as a key liaison between Bard laboratories, external analytical laboratories, logistics providers, and internal stakeholders to support timely batch disposition.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining sample traceability, managing analytical documentation, coordinating shipments of controlled substances and reference standards, and ensuring the integrity of inventory and laboratory management systems.

Role and Responsibilities

Sample Management & Logistics

• Manage the receipt, registration, storage, tracking, and shipment of analytical samples and reference materials.
• Ensure all sample management activities are performed in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate records within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Oracle inventory systems.
• Ensure full traceability and accountability of all analytical samples throughout their lifecycle.
• Coordinate weekly and ad hoc sample shipments to European and external laboratory partners.
• Liaise with courier providers and laboratory personnel to ensure secure transportation and custody of analytical samples, including Schedule 2 controlled substances.
• Monitor sample inventories and maintain appropriate stock levels of reference standards, consumables, chemicals, and laboratory materials.
• Escalate risks, delays, or discrepancies that may impact testing schedules or batch release activities.

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare, review, and maintain all documentation required for domestic and international sample shipments.
• Ensure import and export licences are obtained, maintained, renewed, and decommissioned as required.
• Generate and manage commercial invoices, shipping documentation, and export declarations.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), and other supporting documentation.
• Prepare Letters of No Objection and regulatory documentation where required by importing territories.
• Ensure compliance with controlled drug regulations and international shipping requirements.
• Support regulatory inspections and audits by maintaining accurate and inspection-ready records.
• Ensure all documentation is completed accurately, reviewed appropriately, and retained in accordance with data integrity requirements.

Laboratory Coordination & Sample Scheduling

• Schedule analytical sample dispatches to support laboratory testing priorities and optimize analytical cycle times.
• Coordinate with internal and external laboratories to ensure samples are received and tested within agreed timelines.
• Support laboratory planning activities by prioritizing shipments based on batch release requirements and production schedules.
• Assist laboratories in maintaining First-In-First-Out (FIFO) testing priorities through effective sample scheduling.
• Communicate critical testing requirements, territory-specific testing needs, and changing priorities to laboratory partners in a timely manner.

Analytical Data & Batch Support

• Review Certificates of Analysis received from testing laboratories and ensure accurate entry into LIMS.
• Verify analytical documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with current approved specifications.
• Ensure external laboratories are working with current analytical methods, specifications, and approved procedures.
• Support the timely completion of analytical testing activities required for product disposition and release.
• Assist with data reconciliation activities to ensure accurate sample accountability and test completion status.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and report key performance indicators, including sample cycle times, shipment performance, and laboratory turnaround metrics.
• Produce monthly performance reports and operational metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve sample handling, transportation efficiency, documentation processes, and laboratory coordination.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing cycle times and improving operational efficiency.
• Participate in problem-solving and root cause investigations relating to sample management and logistics activities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all company Health & Safety, security, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Handle controlled substances, reference materials, chemicals, and laboratory samples in accordance with approved procedures.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with GMP, GxP, GDP, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support laboratory operations, product quality, and patient supply.

Qualifications

Education

Minimum Required

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C / Level 4 or above), including Mathematics and English, or equivalent qualifications.

• A-Level qualifications, ideally in a scientific discipline, or equivalent vocational qualification.
• Degree or higher education qualification in Science, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum Required

• Experience working within a logistics, administrative, inventory management, warehouse, laboratory support, or regulated operational environment.
• Experience managing documentation and records with a high level of accuracy.
• Experience coordinating activities involving internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, laboratory, or life sciences industry.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience using Oracle or similar inventory management systems.
• Experience supporting import/export activities and regulated shipments.
• Experience working with contract laboratories, third-party logistics providers, or regulatory authorities.
• Knowledge of controlled drug handling and transportation requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

• Good understanding of GMP, GxP, and quality system requirements.
• Knowledge of sample management, inventory control, and laboratory support processes.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions and external organizations.
• Ability to follow SOPs, policies, and regulatory requirements consistently.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• High level of accountability and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Understanding of import/export documentation and logistics processes.
• Commitment to quality, compliance, and patient safety.
• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and willingness to learn.

Working Conditions

• Office and laboratory support environment.
• Frequent interaction with laboratory personnel, logistics providers, and external testing partners.
• Regular use of computerized laboratory and inventory management systems.
• Handling and coordination of controlled drug samples, reference standards, and laboratory materials.
• Occasional manual handling associated with sample packaging and shipment preparation.
• Requirement to comply with GMP, Health & Safety, and security procedures.
• Participation in audits, inspections, and compliance reviews as required.

Fixed-Term Project Information

This role has been created to support analytical testing and batch disposition activities during the Manufacturing Expansion Programme.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted analytical sample flow between Bard and external testing laboratories, supporting timely product release and continuity of patient supply throughout the project period.

This position is offered as a 2-year fixed-term contract, and successful candidates must be able to commit to the full contract period. Employment in this position will conclude upon completion of the project in accordance with the terms of the fixed-term contract.

What You Get in Return

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible benefits programme.
• Opportunity to gain experience in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Exposure to laboratory operations, quality systems, and supply chain processes.
• Development of GMP, logistics, and compliance expertise.
• Opportunity to contribute to a major business transformation programme.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Training and development opportunities to build technical and operational knowledge.
• Experience working with international laboratories and global regulatory requirements.
• The opportunity to directly support product quality, compliance, and continuity of patient supply.

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