Laboratory Operations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and highly motivated Laboratory Operations Manager to join Laverock Therapeutics, an early‑stage biotech company applying its proprietary gene‑silencing platform to the development of novel human therapeutics. Laverock’s technology enables programmable, tunable and multiplexable gene silencing, differentiating it from alternative gene regulation approaches and supporting the development of next‑generation cell and gene therapies. You will join a multidisciplinary team of experimental and computational scientists working at the forefront of translational biology. Due to the early‑stage nature of the company, this role is critical to ensuring the labs function smoothly, safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will be pragmatic, organised, and comfortable taking ownership in a fast‑moving environment.

Role Purpose

The Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that Laverock’s laboratory infrastructure, supply chain and safety systems are robust, compliant and fit for scientific delivery. The role owns day‑to‑day laboratory operations and acts as the central point of coordination between scientists, facilities, suppliers and external stakeholders. This is a five‑days‑per‑week, on‑site role.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain, Procurement and Inventory
  • Own end‑to‑end laboratory procurement: consumables, reagents, services and equipment.
  • Maintain accurate, audit‑ready inventories of consumables, reagents and assets.
  • Build and manage strong supplier relationships; negotiate pricing, lead times and service levels.
  • Drive cost‑effective purchasing decisions in collaboration with procurement and finance.
  • Implement and continuously improve ordering and inventory systems.
• Operational Excellence and Equipment Management
  • Act as primary point of contact for laboratory operations, equipment servicing, waste management and out‑of‑hours emergencies.
  • Arrange service contracts and engineer visits; manage preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Work closely with equipment superusers and scientists to minimise downtime.
  • Troubleshoot operational and equipment‑related issues efficiently and pragmatically.
  • Lead operational audits and ensure readiness at all times.
  • Deliver and coordinate training on key laboratory platforms (e.g. LN systems, T‑Scan), ensuring safe, effective and consistent use across the team.
• Health and Safety Leadership
  • Coordinate development, review and maintenance of health and safety systems.
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Ensure incidents, near misses and observations are documented, investigated and followed up in a timely manner.
  • Act as a key interface with landlords, regulators, external auditors and emergency services.
  • Provide regular, concise health and safety updates.

The successful candidate must be able to operate autonomously once objectives are set. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the diplomacy to work across scientific, operational and external groups, are essential.

Desirable Experience

Experience establishing or scaling laboratory operations in a start‑up or growing environment. Prior responsibility for coordinating health and safety.