Lab Operations Specialist in Oxford

Breakthrough Properties is a life science real estate investment company that leverages cross‑sector collaboration to deliver environments that foster innovation and scientific breakthroughs. As a joint‑venture between Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital, we combine a global real‑estate platform with deep life‑science investment expertise to create life‑changing therapies for patients. We aim to be a home for scientific discovery and innovation, understanding what scientists do and why.

StudioLabs are curated, turnkey innovation environments for hyper‑growth life‑science companies. Whether you are a new company, an established player, or looking for a satellite location, StudioLabs provides short lease terms, a dedicated concierge team, and support from Day 1. Each suite ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 RSF and includes private lab and office workspaces, shared collaboration zones, dedicated office spaces, fully functional wet lab spaces (BSL‑2 tissue culture or equipment space), lab utilities (RO/DI, vacuum, backup generator), starter lab equipment, and access to common services (autoclave, shipping, cold storage, copier, shared conference rooms, wellness room, fitness center with showers and lockers, event space, outdoor patio, coffee bar, kitchen, pantry, and on‑site concierge).

The Role

We are seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist for our StudioLabs location in Oxford. Reporting to the Property Manager, the Specialist will manage daily operations of the facility, office and laboratory requirements for clients/tenants, and provide property‑management support.

Responsibilities

• Serve as part of the Breakthrough Asset Services team, working with clients on daily operational needs.
• Foster a positive tenant experience by proactively responding to requests and coordinating solutions across internal teams, vendors, and service providers.
• Act as the primary interface for scheduling shared equipment.
• Be the concierge and operations point of contact for all visitors.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for tenant requests and day‑to‑day facility support needs.
• Support tenant equipment installations and coordinate laboratory equipment requirements.
• Conduct tenant orientations, onboarding, safety training, and maintain access controls.
• Facilitate building and suite access, implement visitor‑management and room‑booking solutions.
• Coordinate operational readiness for new tenant move‑ins, laboratory setup, and onboarding processes.
• Perform other property‑management functions as required.

Facilities

• Implement and maintain laboratory safety, training, chemical inventory, audit, permit, and hazardous‑waste programs in partnership with Property Management and Scientific Operations.
• Coordinate facilities repairs and routine maintenance on shared equipment; be a resource for client‑tenant requests.
• Coordinate third‑party service providers, including equipment vendors, waste contractors, maintenance providers, and laboratory support services.

Compliance

• Coordinate preventative‑maintenance schedules and vendor service activities for shared laboratory and office equipment.
• Maintain Certificate of Insurance management for all vendor partners and client companies.

Finance

• Accounts Payable – Facilitate processing of invoices using applicable systems.
• Accounts Receivable – Facilitate accounts‑receivable processes in accordance with lease terms.
• Assist in preparing periodic financial reports.

Community & Events

• Assist with client‑experience programming and events in accordance with the annual property budget.
• Manage contact lists, meeting agendas, and general communications to client companies, including property‑specific information and holiday schedules.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in laboratory operations, facilities coordination, scientific workplace management, or a related operational role.
• Experience setting up a new lab is a plus.
• Prior wet‑lab bench experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with the life‑science industry and local ecosystem.
• Familiarity with office‑management duties, including inventory management and supplies.
• Working knowledge of UK laboratory health and safety requirements (COSHH, risk assessments, hazardous‑waste management, HSE guidance) is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, multi‑task, and prioritize effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with individuals at all levels, provide guidance, and deliver great customer service.
• Must be detail‑oriented, organized, and able to consistently deliver timely and accurate results.
• Onsite presence is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal‑opportunity employer, Breakthrough Properties is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non‑job‑related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state, and local laws.