Job Description

Salary: 26,600 - 32,600
Location: Cambridge
Country: UK
Business Unit: Cambridge International
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Closing Date: 2 January 2026

Meet the recruiter

----------------------


Ashley De Los Reyes


leenarc.delosreyes@cambridge.org

Salary:

26,600 - 32,600

Location:

Cambridge, Office-based (4-5 days per week in the office)

Contract:

Fixed term/Secondment (12 months)

Hours:

Full time (35 hours per week)





The practical element of Cambridge A Level qualifications sets us apart from our competitors, and the

Laboratory Technician

is at the forefront of this distinction, creating all of our Biology slides.



We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest level of excellence in our assessments, and our qualifications are recognized as the gold standard in the market. This is a great opportunity for you to become part of that legacy.



We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.

About the role

As a Laboratory Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting Cambridge International's biology practical exams and the wider educational community. Your primary responsibility will be the safe preparation and dispatch of high-quality biology specimen slides, ensuring their availability for exam series and for purchase through the Publications Catalogue.



You will manage the dispatch of slides for our three main exam series each year as well as for international Ministries (e.g., Singapore) and other special projects (e.g., Armenia). In addition, you will harvest new materials and produce high-quality photographs of slides to support our publications and assessments.



Key responsibilities include:


Preparing, maintaining, and dispatching biology slides for exams and for sale through the Publications Catalogue. Managing inventory and accurate records of materials, including health and safety documentation. Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery and smooth operations. Supporting examiner visits by preparing necessary materials and producing high-quality photographs of slides. Overseeing laboratory safety, including health and safety procedures, fire safety, and first aid. Conducting routine maintenance checks on laboratory equipment and maintaining adequate stocks of consumables. Ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and maintaining a secure, well-organized laboratory environment.




This is a hands-on, lab-based position that requires extended periods of standing and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You'll be part of a small, collaborative team dedicated to upholding Cambridge's reputation for excellence in science education.

About you

You'll bring a strong foundation in science, ideally with A levels (or equivalent) in Biology and/or Chemistry. You have hands-on experience preparing high-quality specimen slides, gained through significant on-the-job training in a similar laboratory role. You're confident working with chemicals and biological materials, always prioritizing health and safety, and you're comfortable using IT tools for record-keeping and communication.



To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:


Proven experience in a laboratory environment, including safe handling of chemicals and biological materials. Ability to prepare and maintain high-quality slides with meticulous attention to detail. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure. Competence in using email, spreadsheets, and word processing tools (training provided for internal systems). Good communication and collaboration skills




If you meet the above minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply. Your application will be even stronger if you can also demonstrate the following

desirable

criteria:


Microscopy skills for handling, viewing, and manipulating materials. Experience supporting practical exams or educational assessments. Familiarity with laboratory stock management and procurement. First aid and/or fire warden training.




For a detailed job description, please refer to the link at the bottom of the advert on our careers site.



We are a Disability Confident (DC) employer that is committed to equality and inclusion ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. The DC scheme's Offer of an Interview commitment applies to applicants who opt in, and disclose a disability or a long-term health condition, and best meet the minimum criteria for the role. In instances where interviewing all qualifying candidates is not practicable, we prioritise those who best meet the minimum criteria, as we would for applicants who do not have a disability or long-term health condition.



Please note, Cambridge University Press & Assessment is unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker Visa route as it does not meet the minimum skill requirements.

Rewards and benefits

We will support you to be at your best in work and to live well outside of it. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a world-class, flexible rewards package, featuring family-friendly and planet-friendly benefits including:


28 days annual leave plus bank holidays Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance Discretionary annual bonus Group personal pension scheme Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary Green travel schemes




We are a hybrid working organisation, and we offer a range of flexible working options from day one. We expect most hybrid-working colleagues to spend 40-60% of their time at their dedicated office or location. We will also consider other work arrangements if you wish to work more flexibly or require adjustments due to a disability.

Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.

We aim to support candidates by making our interview process clear and transparent. The closing date for all applications will be

2

nd

January 2026.

We will review applications on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place on week commencing

12

th

January 2026.

If you are shortlisted and progressed through the stages, you can expect:


First stage virtual interview via MS Teams.




If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability or a long-term health condition, there will be an opportunity for you to inform us via the online application form. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.



Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.



We are committed to an equitable recruitment process. As such, applications must be submitted via our official online application procedure. Please refrain from sending your CV directly to our recruiters. If you experience technical difficulties or require additional support with submitting your online application, contact the Recruiter.

Why join us

Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You'll belong to a collaborative team that's exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe - for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development and progress, in an environment which embraces difference, change and aspiration.


Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where everyone has a voice, and where we learn continuously to improve together. Ensuring that everyone feels they belong is essential to who we are, and to the contribution we make to society and our planet.


We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.