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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage lab operations, project management, and procurement while supporting experimental work.
- Company: Join Planet Smart, a start-up tackling plastic pollution with innovative biomaterials.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, 20 days holiday, and access to coaching.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Material Science with 3 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: On-site role located in White City, London.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
The UK alone throws out 3 billion disposable nappies, made of plastic that decompose over centuries. At Planet Smart, we believe all necessary hygiene products, like sanitary napkins and adult diapers, should remain convenient without compromising the planet.
As a start-up that just raised $500k from Silicon Valley, Planet Smart is developing new biomaterials to face the plastic pollution crisis and curb carbon emissions from this polluting industry. We are first tackling menstrual pads; you can check out more information on this project at planetsmart.co.
Your Role
As laboratory operations manager, you will work closely with the founding team and the research team to manage both long-term and day-to-day laboratory operations. The role covers several areas, giving you exposure to experimental work, project management, and procurement.
Responsibilities
- Procurement: manage the laboratory budget and inventory and ensure timely replenishment of stock, maintain relationships with existing suppliers and assess new vendors.
- Project management & reporting: Deliver regular reports on work completed in an organized manner, support the founding team in ensuring experimental work is done according to project plan and identified priorities.
- Operations: Act as liaison between the research team and the building management/services, investigate availability of and book equipment.
- Experimental work: Take over routine finished product testing according to standardized procedure.
Knowledge / Experience required
- BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Material Science.
- At least 3 years professional experience in operations, project management, scheduling or laboratory work in life science/chemistry setting.
- Laboratory work experience, at minimum during university studies.
- Experience delivering timely reports to leadership.
- Structured and organized way of working for overall lab management.
- Experience in lab data analysis with attention to detail.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude, presenting solutions rather than problems.
- Excellent communication skills and experience working in multicultural teams, fluent in English.
What we offer
- 12-month starting contract at £35-40,000 plus 12% performance bonus, with possibility to extend.
- 20 days holidays + bank holidays.
- Access to a professional & personal coach.
- Location: White City, London (on-site presence for this role is necessary).
Laboratory Operations Manager employer: Planet Smart
Contact Detail:
Planet Smart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Planet Smart's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and innovation will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your passion for the environment and how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biomaterials and life sciences sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company culture or the specific challenges they face, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed laboratory operations, including budgeting and supplier relationships, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of potential challenges Planet Smart might face in their operations. Presenting thoughtful solutions during your interview can highlight your proactive approach and entrepreneurial spirit, making you a standout candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Planet Smart's mission and values. Highlight your alignment with their goal of reducing plastic pollution in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in laboratory operations, project management, and procurement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and your entrepreneurial spirit. Mention how your background in chemistry or material science makes you a great fit for the role.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, provide examples of your experience working in multicultural teams and how you effectively communicated complex information.
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Smart
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of laboratory operations and project management. Brush up on your knowledge of chemistry and material science, as well as any relevant experience you've had in these areas.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires structured and organised lab management, be prepared to discuss how you manage budgets, inventory, and supplier relationships. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your organisational abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role, especially when liaising between teams. Be ready to showcase your experience working in multicultural teams and how you effectively communicate complex information to different stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Attitude
The company values an entrepreneurial spirit and a can-do attitude. Prepare to discuss situations where you've presented solutions rather than problems, and how you approach challenges in a proactive manner.
