At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operations of a cutting-edge life sciences facility and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join Opportunity North East, a leader in supporting life sciences innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Scotland's life sciences while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in life sciences operations and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are delighted to be partnering with Opportunity North East (ONE) to recruit a Life Sciences Operations & Technical Manager. You will keep ONE BioHub, a commercial life sciences facility in Aberdeen, safe, compliant and running well for the founders and companies based there.
The role
Reporting to the Director of ONE Life Sciences and ONE BioHub, you will manage the leasing and all technical aspects of operating the facility. You will give tenants confidence that it meets the standards their science and funders require.
Day to day, you will:
- Manage day-to-day operations of the BioHub's laboratories, office space, shared equipment and building infrastructure
- Administer tenant leases, rent reviews and lease compliance, working with ONE Finance & Commercial
- Track and grow occupancy and space utilisation, and develop commercial offerings such as shared equipment access and technical services
- Lead health & safety, biosafety, fire and environmental compliance, including risk assessments, SOPs, a live risk register, audits and incident investigation
- Maintain the accreditations and documentation needed to operate as a compliant life sciences facility
- Manage the facilities management contract and specialist contractors, ensuring KPIs, standards and value for money are met
- Assess prospective tenants for technical suitability, then onboard them and provide training and competency assessments on shared labs and equipment
- Be the main contact for tenants and founders on technical, laboratory, facilities and lease matters
- Oversee fit-out contractors, including the BioHub Phase 2 fit out, with minimal disruption to tenants
- Contribute technical input to funding bids, business cases and reports
This is a hands-on role. It includes routine environmental monitoring and cleaning of shared facilities, and occasional cover for front-of-house duties.
About you
You are technically capable, safety-minded and customer-focused. You can explain technical requirements to non-technical audiences, and you are comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
Essential:
- Qualification in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Facilities Management or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience
- Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH), or willingness to obtain one
- Experience managing facilities, laboratories or technical operations in a life sciences, research or industrial environment
- Experience managing an FM contract or specialist technical contractors and suppliers
- Sound knowledge of laboratory health & safety, biosafety, regulatory compliance, risk management and fire safety
- Experience conducting risk assessments and audits and managing non-conformances
- Experience administering commercial leases or tenancy agreements in a shared workspace, incubator or science park
- Strong problem-solving, organisational and administrative skills
- Flexibility, including occasional out-of-hours availability for facilities issues
Desirable:
- Facilities or estates management, biosafety/COSHH, lead auditor or fire safety qualification
- Experience in a life sciences innovation centre, science park or commercial laboratory
- Knowledge of the Scottish and UK life sciences regulatory landscape
- Experience with ISO or other accreditation processes
- Budget management, contract negotiation and supplier management experience
- Familiarity with CRM or facilities/asset management systems
Why apply?
- Take ownership of a flagship life sciences facility during an exciting period of growth, including Phase 2 fit out
- Directly shape the quality of support for Scotland's life sciences founders
- Join an organisation committed to public value, inclusion and continuous learning
Opportunity North East is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Life Sciences Operations and Technical Manager employer: SRG Talent
As a leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organisation based in central Scotland, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises compliance and quality. Our employees benefit from an excellent package that includes enhanced pension, healthcare, and flexible working hours, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the industry. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Life Sciences Operations and Technical Manager
✨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 SRG Talent. 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 SRG Talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Life Sciences Operations and Technical Manager
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 SRG Talent 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 SRG Talent.
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 SRG Talent 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 SRG Talent
✨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 SRG Talent. 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 SRG Talent'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 SRG Talent. This shows your passion for the industry!
