Operations Assistant in Cambridge

At Lightcast we are enabling scientists to gain a deeper understanding of human health and disease at the cellular level. Our technology enables the direct, precise interrogation of single cell heterogeneity, interactions and functional behaviours with a level of flexibility and scale that was previously inaccessible. Across a broad range of disciplines from basic and translational research to drug discovery, we provide the freedom to accelerate discovery and apply novel biological insights.

As Lightcast's Operations Assistant, you'll be the heart of our Cambridge Office and Manufacturing site, playing a key role in ensuring our day-to-day operations run smoothly. As the first point of contact for employees, visitors and suppliers, you'll be the friendly face of the business while providing vital administrative support across our office, lab and manufacturing functions. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering an exceptional experience for colleagues and visitors alike. No two days will be the same, and your organisation, initiative and attention to detail will have real impact across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Support laboratory operations tasks such as shipping, receiving, contractor, waste and stock management.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory and shipments following the standard procedures and operations processes.
• Help implement and improve operational processes to increase efficiency within both office and laboratory environments.
• Management procurement office supplies and food, maintaining optimal stock levels and cost control.
• Actively monitor and respond to facilities and service tickets ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to office and laboratory operations.
• Coordinate daily office operations, including email management, coffee and food replenishment and vendor communications to ensure efficient workflow.
• Assist onboarding new staff by coordinating access, training schedules, and workspace/lab readiness.
• Support with visitors and phone in the reception area.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations by conducting routine checks and supporting audits, inspections and occupational health clinic schedules.
• Provide administrative support such as data entry, report preparation, and document control for operational and scientific activities.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Previous experience in an office administration, operations, office coordinator or facilities support role.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong administrative skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude with a strong willingness to learn and develop.
• Works collaboratively with a strong team-oriented attitude, contributing positively to team success.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a scientific, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of procurement, stock control or inventory management process.

This part-time (0.6FTE) role is to work 08:00-16:30 Monday to Wednesday, onsite at our Cambridge Headquarters. The expected salary range for this role is £31,000-£36,000 (pro-rated) per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Behavioural Expectations

• Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support the development of solutions. Contributes constructively in team settings and shares knowledge to support colleagues’ effectiveness.
• Innovation: Delivers practical, high-quality technical solutions and identifies opportunities to improve processes, designs, and ways of working within own area.
• Unity: Aligning personal work with team and company goals, following agreed standards and helping ensure outputs meet customer requirements.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to changing priorities, applying pragmatic problem-solving to maintain progress. Participates in open discussion and supports agreed decisions.

Lightcast Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity.