Head of Laboratory

Yourgene Health is a leading integrated technologies and services business, enabling the delivery of genomic medicine. The group works in partnership with global leaders in DNA technology to advance diagnostic science. Our mission to enable scientific advances to positively impact human health remains at the core of our focus.

Yourgene primarily develops, manufactures, and commercialises simple and accurate molecular diagnostic solutions for reproductive health, precision medicine and infectious diseases. We have a comprehensive offering of non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) NGS workflows that have been built with labs in mind, and clinical prenatal screening services.

Yourgene Genomic Services provides a range of genetic analysis services for our clinical, research and pharma customers to support partners with DNA extractions, biobanking, genotyping, arrays and sequencing workflows (WES and WGS). Yourgene Genomic Services offers a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Service, enabling clinics to run their own NIPT service for pregnant women with our prenatal screening tests and service laboratory based in Manchester.

We have an opportunity for a full-time and permanent Head of Laboratory to join our genomic services team based onsite at Manchester Science Park. The Head of Laboratory for Yourgene Genomic Services oversees the day-to-day running of a service laboratory that runs both contract research services and a clinical NIPT service laboratory. You will manage a team of 3-4 direct reports.

The Head of Laboratory for Yourgene Genomic Services will oversee efficient operations, ensuring timely project delivery and continuous service improvement of our clinical services and research service lab. The role encompasses daily laboratory management, staff supervision, and strategic development of new services to align with the company’s goals. You will ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements, such as ISO 15189, CQC Guidelines, HTA regulations and ethical guidelines. You will have direct contact with customers, assisting business development to build the business through developing customer relationships, building compelling service offerings and responding to tenders.

• Ensure the appropriate staffing of the clinical laboratory service.
• Ensure staff awareness of quality and business objectives, policies, and ISO 15189 standards, fostering continuous improvement.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with ISO 15189, managing documentation, assets, and suppliers.
• Maintain patient data integrity and regulatory compliance for all projects and documentation, adhering to GDPR, GCLP and HTA regulations.
• Identify and address non-conformities, deviations, and risks associated with laboratory activities.
• Develop study plans/protocols, SOPs, and technical documents, ensuring compliance and approval.
• Stand up new clinical services in accordance with the ISO15189 standards ensuring they assays are robust, verified/validated and offer our service customers state of the art molecular testing.
• Collaborate internally and externally to provide technical support, resolve issues, and drive process improvements.
• Lead internal meetings, audits, and communication with senior management to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Liaise with the Quality Department to maintain correct documentation and SOPs.
• Liaise with the Clinical Research Manager to ensure samples are consented, collected and stored in line with HTA requirements.
• Work with the automation team and bioinformatics teams to ensure that samples are tracked and managed appropriately.
• Contribute to profitable service delivery, maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Coordinate service schedules with senior management and project managers to meet business needs.
• Advise and assist Senior Management and the Executive Team on budget planning and financial management of the Clinical Services Laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH systems.
• Foster positive relationships with support departments (procurement, logistics, customer services, finance).
• Stay updated on scientific advancements and industry trends to align with company strategy.
• Ensure timely billing of completed projects.

• Postgraduate education, MSc, or PhD, in a scientific discipline.
• 8+ years’ experience working in a service laboratory carrying out molecular genetics testing services, work experience in a clinical lab is preferred.
• Extensive experience working under ISO 15189 Quality Management System.
• Strong understanding of genetics, NGS, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
• Experience in Oncology testing, whole genome sequencing and Reproductive Health is desirable.
• Excellent writing, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience working with the selection of suitable bioinformatics and clinical reporting tools preferred.
• Demonstratable knowledge of patient consent, HTA, ethics and GDPR.
• Confident communicator who is happy to communicate directly with external customers.
• Demonstratable experience of delivering projects on budget and to agreed timelines.