Head of Laboratory Operations

Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU

Contract & job type: Full-time, Fixed-term for five years

About us

At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Overview of the role

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Laboratory Operations for the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration. The Head of Laboratory Operations is a key position in ensuring the efficient, compliant, and safe operation of the laboratory. The post-holder will lead a team of technical staff to support a large, vibrant, multidisciplinary and collaborative research group comprising a number of Research Fellows and junior PIs working within the field of neurodegeneration; lead on the group’s technical infrastructure and support framework, health & safety and lab sustainability; manage a major cluster of high-end equipment for drug and target discovery and associated data storage; manage and train laboratory staff; and manage laboratory budgets.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for planning and delivery of infrastructure operations
• Manage laboratory expenditure and resource allocation
• Manage the work of the technical team
• Manage a major cluster of high-end equipment for drug and target discovery
• Manage associated IT infrastructure for data acquisition, storage and sharing
• Effective laboratory management of all laboratory documentation, including Health and Safety

Selection criteria

• PhD/DPhil in neuroscience or cell biology
• Experience of effective operational management of a multidisciplinary research lab
• Experience in strategic project management, and managing and controlling budgets
• Experience in setting up cellular image-based assays on high-end instruments
• Understanding of the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-models in neurodegenerative research

What we offer

Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

How to apply

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Closing date for applications is midday on 23rd June 2026. Interviews are likely to be held in the week beginning 06th July 2026, and will be either face to face or held on Microsoft Teams. Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.

We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.

DPAG and Sustainability

We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity.