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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic research team, ensuring top-notch service delivery and operational excellence.
- Company: Avantor, a leading life sciences organisation committed to impactful scientific advancements.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, annual bonus, and 25 days leave plus your birthday off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science while developing your leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Biological or Life Sciences and 3+ years in a lab with people management experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to advancing life-changing science and enjoy flexible working culture.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The Opportunity: Research Services Team Lead
Location: Cambridge – The Discovery Centre
Contract: Temporary, 12‑month Fixed‑Term Contract
About the Role
We are currently seeking a Research Services Team Lead to support the management of the Avantor Research Services Team at our client’s site Discovery Centre in Cambridge. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the effective delivery of science‑funded services. You will work closely with the Research Services Manager to support operational excellence, people leadership, compliance, and future service growth. The role carries significant people‑management responsibility and requires a strong understanding of the Avantor Supplier Partner model, along with proven experience leading teams within a laboratory or research environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Service & Operations
- Support provision of a balanced, high‑quality service aligned to customer needs and current/future demand
- Support resolution of customer service issues, recommending and enabling improvements and efficiencies
- Clearly articulate service provision across different stakeholder levels and guide UK / SWE Heads when required
- Ensure the Science Funded Research Team network remains robust, forward‑thinking, and fit for purpose
- Promote services at internal and external forums and conferences
- Act as a key point of contact for all research staff regarding Research Services queries
- Resolve or appropriately elevate complex customer issues
- Support and participate in service audits, GEMBA activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Establish and maintain effective leadership of direct reports
- Communicate role expectations clearly and provide constructive, regular feedback
- Ensure all team members have bespoke development plans and stretch objectives
- Foster inclusive and effective teamwork, including collaboration with supplier partners
- Maintain appropriate resourcing levels through effective recruitment in collaboration with Avantor Talent Acquisition
- Coach, mentor, and support team members to achieve high performance
- Ensure a safe and secure working environment with strong focus on SOPs, Risk Assessments, and documentation accuracy
- Support and enforce policies and procedures
- Ensure activities are delivered in line with agreed schedules, quality standards, and compliance requirements
- Act on and report deviations as required
Education, Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Scientific background required; degree in Biological or Life Sciences preferred
- 3+ years’ experience working in a BSL‑1 / BSL‑2 laboratory environment
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety regulations within R&D labs
- Line management experience (minimum 2+ years) including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven stakeholder engagement experience
- Strong organisational skills with a solution‑focused mindset
- Customer‑facing experience in a scientific or research environment
- Proficiency in MS Office, including strong presentation skills
- Self‑motivated, flexible, adaptable, and committed to continuous personal development
- Strategic and planning experience in an analytical, operational, or leadership support role
- Natural leadership style with the ability to inspire and influence
- Experience working in matrix environments with multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to work autonomously and make confident, strategic decisions
- Understanding of how research services contribute to wider business objectives
- Strong data capture, analysis, and reporting skills (especially Excel)
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and change direction effectively
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a visible leadership role embedded within one of the world’s leading life sciences organisations. You’ll work in a highly collaborative research environment, supporting critical scientific activity while shaping the future of research services delivery.
We offer:
- A market‑conform salary aligned with experience
- An attractive benefits package, including private healthcare
- Annual bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave, plus one additional paid day off for your birthday
- A flexible, trust‑based working culture with no micromanagement
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to influence service strategy and growth
This role is ideal for a motivated people leader who enjoys challenge, responsibility, and making a tangible impact in a science‑led environment. Interested? Let’s apply!
Research Services Team Lead in England employer: Avantor
Contact Detail:
Avantor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Services Team Lead in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research and life sciences field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to research services. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Since this role involves people management, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share these during interviews to demonstrate your capability as a Research Services Team Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Services Team Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Services Team Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in people management and your scientific background, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved services in previous positions.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves stakeholder engagement, demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Avantor Supplier Partner model and the specific services offered. Brush up on your knowledge of Health and Safety regulations in R&D labs, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve communicated expectations clearly, provided feedback, or developed team members. This will demonstrate your people management experience.
✨Be Customer-Focused
Since this role involves resolving customer service issues, come ready with examples of how you've handled complex customer queries in the past. Highlight your solution-focused mindset and any improvements you've implemented.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can articulate service provision across different stakeholder levels. Prepare to discuss your experience in engaging with various stakeholders and how you’ve influenced service strategy in previous roles.