At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead lab operations and manage external partnerships in a cutting-edge biotech environment.
- Company: Exciting London-based biotech company focused on next-gen therapeutics.
- Benefits: Generous salary package and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a dynamic startup atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be a key player in building laboratory infrastructure and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in life sciences with lab operations experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your new company
You'll be joining an exciting London-based biotech company developing next-generation therapeutics as they go into their next phase of growth. As one of the earliest operational hires, you will play a critical role in building the company's laboratory infrastructure while establishing the external CRO partnerships that will underpin future preclinical development activities.
Your new role
As the Lab & CRO Operations Manager, you will be responsible for establishing and managing laboratory operations while providing oversight of outsourced preclinical studies. This is a highly visible role combining laboratory management, vendor oversight, project coordination, and operational leadership. This is a permanent role, working closely with the company's senior leadership.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the buildout of a new laboratory, including equipment procurement, facility setup, safety processes, and operational readiness
- Managing laboratory operations, inventory, consumables, equipment maintenance, calibration, and documentation
- Establishing and maintaining SOPs and operational processes to support scientific activities
- Overseeing relationships with CRO partners supporting cell biology, in vivo, biodistribution, and toxicology studies
- Coordinating study timelines, data transfer, sample logistics, and reporting between CROs and internal teams
- Providing quality oversight to ensure studies meet protocol requirements, timelines, and data quality standards
- Managing budgets, procurement activities, vendor negotiations, and service contracts
- Supporting vendor selection and evaluation for new outsourcing partnerships
- Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety requirements and BSL-2 standards
What you'll need to succeed
A successful candidate will bring a combination of laboratory operations expertise, strong organisational skills, and experience managing external partners.
- MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences discipline
- Experience managing molecular biology, cell biology, or translational research laboratories
- Proven experience supporting laboratory setup, expansion, or buildout activities
- Working knowledge of mammalian cell culture, molecular biology workflows, and laboratory operations
- Experience managing CROs, vendors, or outsourced research programmes
- Fluent Mandarin and English communication skills
- Strong project management and organisational abilities
- Experience managing procurement, budgeting, inventory, and vendor contracts
- Ability to work effectively across scientific, operational, and external stakeholder groups
The following would be advantageous:
- Startup or early-stage biotech experience
- Experience managing preclinical studies through Chinese CROs
- Familiarity with gene therapy or gene editing programmes
What you'll get in return
You'll have the chance to make a significant impact on the company's operations and get a generous salary package.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Lab Operations Manager in London employer: Hays Life Sciences
Join a leading healthcare organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of life cycle strategy across a diverse EU portfolio. With flexible working options and a strong focus on employee growth, this company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and support, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in regulatory affairs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Operations Manager in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Hays Life Sciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Hays Life Sciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Hays Life Sciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Hays Life Sciences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Hays Life Sciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Life Sciences
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Hays Life Sciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Hays Life Sciences's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Hays Life Sciences. This shows your passion for the industry!
