Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily lab operations and support innovative research in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Pioneering life sciences organisation based in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of research and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in genomics or related field with lab management experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lab Manager – Life Sciences
Is your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.
Location: Edinburgh (Onsite)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
We’re working with a pioneering life sciences organisation in Edinburgh to find a proactive and detail-focused Lab Manager. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone with a background in molecular biology or genomics who’s ready to lead day-to-day lab operations while supporting research and development activities in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
About the Role
As Lab Manager, you’ll take ownership of a growing laboratory’s operations, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory standards. You’ll manage a small lab team, oversee inventory and equipment, support project coordination, and help implement best practices across lab processes.
This is a varied and rewarding role that combines scientific insight, operational oversight, and people management.
Key Responsibilities
Manage daily lab operations to ensure safety, accuracy, and efficiency
Oversee and support a small team of laboratory staff
Coordinate resources and timelines for lab-based projects
Implement and enforce SOPs and quality protocols
Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; organise servicing and repairs
Track and manage samples and reagents to ensure traceability and quality
Monitor inventory, order supplies, and control costs
Support onboarding, training, and development of lab staff
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and internal policies
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
What We\’re Looking For
Essential:
Bachelor’s degree in genomics or a related life sciences field
Minimum one year’s experience in a lab management role
Previous experience in a commercial or industrial lab setting
Strong working knowledge of lab compliance and safety regulations
People management experience, including one-to-ones and appraisals
Familiarity with LIMS or similar lab management systems
Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and lab software
Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
Desirable:
Postgraduate qualification in genomics or a related discipline
Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g. Nanopore, PacBio)
Background in PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and library prep techniques
Experience working in a start-up environment
Strong RNA handling skills
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary
Onsite role based in Edinburgh
Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth
A chance to contribute to meaningful, impactful scientific work
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an organised and motivated lab professional looking to step into a leadership role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to help shape the future of research and innovation
Lab Manager employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the life sciences field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in genomics and molecular biology. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion during the interview, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to lab management and team leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨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 are proactive and eager to join our team in shaping the future of research and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in lab management and any relevant skills in molecular biology or genomics. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Lab Manager position. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you’ve contributed to lab operations in the past.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves managing a small team, make sure to highlight your people management experience. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to support and develop others, so share any relevant examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll ensure your application gets to the right place quickly. Don’t wait too long – we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of molecular biology and genomics. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used, like PCR or RNA handling, and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a manager but also a hands-on expert.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Think about times when you supported staff development or improved lab processes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire your future team.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with lab compliance and safety regulations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented SOPs and quality protocols in previous positions. This will highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's current projects, team dynamics, and opportunities for improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.