Make your mark for patientsWe are looking for an experienced IT Lead, Laboratory Technology & Digital Solutions to join our Digital Technology team in our office in Slough, United Kingdom.
About the RoleAs an IT Lead, Laboratory Technology & Digital Solutions, you will take end-to-end ownership of a complex portfolio of business-critical IT systems supporting scientific laboratories, laboratory instruments, and scientific equipment. These environments combine dedicated workstations, specialized applications, infrastructure services, and connected laboratory equipment.
You will ensure these systems remain secure, reliable, compliant, and aligned with evolving business needs throughout their lifecycle while supporting digital transformation initiatives, operational excellence, and innovation.
This is a visible leadership role for someone who thrives in a complex and demanding environment, brings people together, and has a strong drive to turn priorities into results. You will work at the intersection of technology, science, and laboratory operations, ensuring that systems meet the highest standards of cybersecurity, data integrity, operational resilience, and GxP compliance.
Who you'll work withYou will work closely with scientists, laboratory teams, business leaders, IT specialists, vendors, and external technology partners to deliver reliable and compliant digital solutions.
You will collaborate with experts across infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, service management, application delivery, and validation to design, implement, and continuously improve the systems supporting our scientific laboratories.
As a trusted technology leader and partner, you will bring stakeholders together, establish clear priorities, and drive decisions while balancing innovation, compliance, operational excellence, risk management, and the long-term sustainability of the supported landscape.
What you'll doTake end-to-end ownership of a portfolio of business-critical scientific laboratory systems, ensuring secure, reliable, compliant, and efficient operation throughout their lifecycleAct as the primary IT point of contact for systems within scope, ensuring alignment between business priorities, technology roadmaps, governance requirements, and operational needsSet priorities and drive delivery in partnership with business stakeholders, scientists, laboratory teams, delivery teams, vendors, and Digital Technology functionsLead cross-functional teams and external partners through solution design, implementation, integration, qualification, validation, testing, and transition into operation for new and existing systemsEnsure systems comply with GxP, cybersecurity, quality, regulatory, and service management requirements while maintaining data integrity, resilience, and business continuityCollaborate with vendors and internal technology teams to resolve technical issues, optimize system performance, remove delivery obstacles, and continuously improve supported environmentsDrive lifecycle management activities including upgrades, maintenance, risk management, remediation planning, technical modernization, and future system evolutionSynthesize complex technical, scientific, compliance, and business information into compelling narratives, executive communications, and actionable recommendations that enable informed decision-making at leadership levelsExplore and leverage emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation capabilities, to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and business value while maintaining compliance and governance expectationsContribute to the continuous improvement of technology governance, delivery models, standards, and ways of working supporting the scientific laboratory systems landscapeInterested?
For this role, we're looking for the following education, experience, and skillsBachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related fieldAt least 5 years of experience in Information Technology, including technology implementation, solution delivery, and lifecycle management in complex environmentsProven experience taking ownership of complex technology environments and delivering results across multiple prioritiesStrong leadership skills, or clear ambition and potential to grow into a broader technology leadership roleA results-oriented and pragmatic mindset, with the confidence to make decisions, challenge constructively, and create momentum in a complex organizationStrong technical background in Windows-based computerized systems and enterprise IT environments, with the ability to manage and sustain secure, reliable, and compliant solutionsStrong knowledge of application environments, Windows operating systems, workstation technologies, infrastructure services, networking, servers, storage, and cloud platformsSolid understanding of identity and access management, cybersecurity, data integrity, and operational compliance principlesExperience with qualification, validation, and regulated environments; experience in GxP environments is considered a strong advantageAbility to translate business and scientific requirements into secure, sustainable, and compliant technology solutionsStrong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, technical teams, business partners, and external suppliers without relying on direct authorityFluent in EnglishStrong strategic thinking and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical topics into clear business insights and decision-ready recommendations for senior leaders and executive stakeholdersDemonstrated interest in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital innovation, with the ability to identify practical business applicationsExperience supporting scientific laboratories, laboratory instruments, research, development sciences, or other complex technology environments is considered a strong plusExperience in the pharmaceutical industry or another regulated environment is considered a plusFluent in English.
French and/or Dutch is considered an advantageAre you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science. Why work with us? At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work.
We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential. At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity.
Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office. UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.
Job SummaryJob number: 93750Date posted : 2026-10-29Profession: Finance, Digital, IT & Project ManagementEmployment type: Permanent
IT Lead, Laboratory Technology & Digital Solutions in Reading employer: Ucb Group
UCB is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to push boundaries and create meaningful value for patients. Located in Slough, our hybrid-first approach allows for flexibility while working alongside experienced scientists in a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and career development. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and empowers you to make your mark in the biopharmaceutical industry.
