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- Tasks: Lead lab operations, manage team tasks, and ensure safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in biomedical research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of leave, hybrid working, and a supportive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health through world-class research.
- Qualifications: Experience in line management and knowledge of ISO standards required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
At UK Biobank, our laboratories are at the heart of one of the world’s most important biomedical resources. Every sample processed contributes to discoveries that advance global health and we’re looking for someone who can help us keep these operations running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Application Deadline: 2 November 2025
Department: Lab
Location: Cheadle
Compensation: £41,000 – £45,000 / year
Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the daily operational excellence of our labs, supporting innovation and world‑class research.
Key responsibilities
- Establish clear goals and expectations for the Laboratory Team, coordinate and prioritise incoming resource requests, and manage rotas and daily task allocation to ensure delivery against project, operational, and team targets.
- Maintain a safe, efficient working environment adhering to quality and other relevant standards.
- Support the Laboratory Operations Manager to ensure samples are collected, processed and stored to maximise their scientific value and utility.
- Work collaboratively with the Laboratory Team to deliver Laboratory objectives.
- Support the Laboratory Operations Manager to engage, motivate and develop the Laboratory Operations Team and staff processing samples at other UK Biobank sites.
Is this \’you\’?
To be successful, you will have:
- Experience of line management including recruitment and rota management/task allocation for an appreciably sized team (headcount 10‑20+).
- Experience working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload individually and for the team in a fast‑paced environment to support multiple projects and operational duties.
- Experienced user of automated liquid handling systems including troubleshooting/process development.
- Experience of using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work.
Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hybrid working is available. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work‑life balance – right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:
- 🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- ➕ Holiday Buy Scheme – Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
- 🎂 Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
- 🏦 USS Pension Scheme – Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
- 🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
- 👶 Enhanced Family Leave – Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on a new bike and accessories.
- 🚆 Season Ticket Loan – Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
- 📄 Professional Subscriptions – Reimbursement where applicable.
- 📚 Learning budget – Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
- 🍽️ Subsidised Lunches – Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
- 🚗 Free Car Parking – On‑site parking available for staff.
- 🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal – Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
- 📞 Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for personal and work‑related issues.
- 💉 Annual Flu Vaccination – Stay protected with free flu jabs.
- 🛡️ Life Assurance Cover – Financial protection for your loved ones.
The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Research Services
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Assistant Laboratory Operations Manager employer: UK Biobank
Contact Detail:
UK Biobank Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Laboratory Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UK Biobank on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the lab culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO standards and automated liquid handling systems. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the tech, but that we can troubleshoot and innovate too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially around team management and prioritising tasks. We need to demonstrate our leadership skills and how we can keep the lab running smoothly under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the UK Biobank team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Laboratory Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your line management experience and any relevant ISO standards you've worked with. We want to see how you can contribute to our lab operations!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at UK Biobank. Let us know what excites you about supporting world-class research.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed teams and prioritised tasks in fast-paced environments. We love seeing candidates who can juggle multiple projects while keeping everything running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank
✨Know Your ISO Standards
Familiarise yourself with the relevant ISO standards mentioned in the job description, like ISO9001 or ISO15189. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards and how you can ensure compliance in the lab.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your line management experience, especially in coordinating teams of 10-20+. Highlight specific instances where you successfully managed rotas and task allocations to meet project goals.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you prioritise workloads in fast-paced environments. Share strategies you've used to keep operations running smoothly while juggling multiple projects and tasks.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key, think of ways you've motivated and developed team members in previous roles. Discuss how you would foster a positive working environment at UK Biobank to support innovation and operational excellence.
