Sample Management Operator

OXB; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Oxford is seeking a Sample Management Operator for the Quality Control Team. In this pivotal role, you will handle samples, ensuring they are received, stored, and shipped properly to support the development of life-changing therapies. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in sample handling, communication, and organization, and should have a genuine interest in science. This position offers opportunities for personal and professional growth in an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Wellbeing programmes

Career development opportunities

Supportive and inclusive culture

State-of-the-art labs and facilities

Qualifications

• Minimum of GCSE or equivalent qualification or required skills from previous workplace.
• Proven experience with sample handling.
• Experience using LIMS is an advantage.
• Genuine interest in working in science.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive and check condition of samples from manufacturing.
• Organise and prepare outgoing shipments of samples.
• Issue samples to scientists.
• Ensure good record keeping and documentation.
• Author and review Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills

Sample handling

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of MS Office

Education

GCSE or equivalent qualification

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

At OXB

At OXB, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re on a mission to enable life‑changing therapies to reach patients around the world—and we’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our core values every day: Responsible, Responsive, Resilient, and Respectful.

Sample Management Operator – Quality Control Team

In this role, you will receive, store, issue, pack, ship, organise and dispose of samples in a controlled manner, playing a key part in advancing our mission and making a real difference.

Our QC team supports the development of products through analytical testing to facilitate manufacturing, shelf‑life setting and process development, ensuring appropriate quality controls and use of analytics.

Your responsibilities in this role would be:

• Receiving samples from manufacturing sites, checking condition, ensuring samples are logged in and stored appropriately.
• Organise and prepare outgoing shipments of samples to external testing organisations / clients.
• Issuing samples to scientists.
• Ensuring any discrepancies are noted and dealt with within a timely manner.
• Ensure a good standard of record keeping and documentation.
• Authoring and reviewing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other documentation.
• Ownership and troubleshooting of processes to ensure procedural efficiencies.
• Responsible for liaising and leading meetings with other teams/departments.
• Maintain and update SM scheduling and metric tools in an intimate manner.
• Work both independently and as part of cross‑functional teams.

We are looking for:

• Educated to a minimum of GCSE or equivalent qualification level or able to demonstrate required skills gained within another workplace.
• Proven experience with sample handling.
• Experience using LIMS (not essential).
• A genuine interest and drive to work in science.
• Problem‑solving skills to help identify a way forward when issues arise.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Highly organised and motivated with excellent attention to detail.
• Knowledge and experience of MS Office, Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Thinking critically and analytically in order to problem‑solve.
• An understanding and appreciation of working in a highly regulated environment, ideally GxP.

About Us

OXB is a quality and innovation‑led viral vector CDMO with a mission to enable its clients to deliver life‑changing therapies to patients around the world. One of the original pioneers in cell and gene therapy, we have more than 30 years of experience in viral vectors; the driving force behind the majority of gene therapies.

OXB collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno‑associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors. OXB’s world‑class capabilities span from early‑stage development to commercialisation. These capabilities are supported by robust quality‑assurance systems, analytical methods, and depth of regulatory expertise.

Why Join Us?

• 🧘 Wellbeing programmes that support your mental and physical health.
• 🚀 Career development opportunities to help you grow and thrive.
• 🤝 Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• 🧪 State‑of‑the‑art labs and manufacturing facilities.
• 🌍 A company that lives its values: Responsible, Responsive, Resilient, Respect.

We want you to feel inspired every day. At OXB, we’re future‑focused and growing fast. We succeed together—through passion, commitment, and teamwork.