Job Introduction
Position: Maintenance and Metrology Technician
Location: Rushden
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.
About the Role
We are looking for a Maintenance & Metrology Technician to join our Metabolism team in Rushden. This is a hands‑on, practical role that ensures our laboratories run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
You will be responsible for routine maintenance, metrology tasks and general laboratory support freeing scientific teams to focus on running studies. Tasks range from calibrating pipettes and balances to maintaining consumable stock, performing contamination checks, supervising service engineers and supporting freezer management.
This role would suit:
- Someone early in their career (e.g., A‑level science background) who is keen to start in a laboratory environment, or
- Someone more experienced who enjoys practical routine work, supporting others and being part of a friendly, collaborative environment.
This is a new function being built from scratch, so you will join a small team of two with plenty of opportunity to shape day‑to‑day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform calibration of pipettes, balances and other standard laboratory equipment
- Supervise external service engineers during onsite maintenance
- Prepare and dispose of laboratory solutions (e.g., HPLC mobile phase, buffers)
- Carry out administrative duties such as logging in test compounds, samples, HPLC columns, soils and hepatocytes
- Support glassware washing processes, including operating glasswashers and returning clean items to their storage locations
- Manage stock of laboratory consumables and ensure all lab areas are fully replenished
- Maintain general laboratory housekeeping standards
- Conduct monthly radioactivity contamination checks
- Manage disposal of study samples at the end of storage periods and maintain freezer areas
Candidate Profile
- A‑level science qualification or experience in a laboratory environment
- Strong practical mindset with good attention to detail
- A proactive, hardworking approach and willingness to support routine but essential laboratory activities
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Good communication skills and a friendly, team‑oriented attitude
- Ability to follow procedures and maintain high standards of compliance and cleanliness
Why Pharmaron?
Collaborative Culture: Thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners and collaborators.
Career Development
Depending on the individual, there may be opportunities over time to:
- Undertake further qualifications (e.g., degree apprenticeships)
- Progress into laboratory‑based scientific roles
- Broaden responsibilities within metrology or laboratory operations
Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 21,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.