Laboratory Manager

Job Title: Laboratory Manager

Location: Stevenage

Job Type: Permanent

Agencies: We will only work with recruitment partners on our preferred supplier list and will not engage with speculative CVs submitted.

Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you.

About the role:

The Laboratory Manager will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of LifeArc’s laboratories which houses about 80 scientists. Working closely with the Operations & Safety Lead, lab-based scientists and the Lead Operations & Safety, you will ensure that our high-tech state-of-the-art facilities are safe, efficient, and fully operational. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to LifeArc’s future and expansion, including a strong role in the planning and the development of our new facilities in Central London. This full-time role (5 days/week on site) will initially be based at our research centre in Stevenage and transition to LifeArc’s new London Judd Street facilities and HQ around 2027/2028.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, goods-in and supply, contractor coordination, and safety compliance.
• Manage core laboratory services such as gas systems, LEV, temperature monitoring, waste disposal, and stores.
• Support planning and execution of laboratory refurbishments, repairs, and layout design for our new facilities.
• Serve as the primary contact for laboratory-related issues and respond to out-of-hours emergencies (T-Scan).
• Lead procurement activities, manage service contracts, and maintain inventory of lab equipment and consumables.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment, service agreements, and third-party vendors.
• Onboard and train new staff, visitors, and contractors on laboratory protocols and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with scientists and instrument superusers to coordinate service visits and resolve technical issues.
• Manage laboratory workflows and systems, including equipment booking platforms.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Education & experience required:

• Educated to A Level (or equivalent); further qualifications in a scientific discipline are desirable.
• NEBOSH / IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent
• Proven experience in laboratory management within an industrial (pharma/biotech) setting.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory equipment, safety standards, and operational procedures, including biosafety and chemical handling.
• Experience managing lab infrastructure, service contracts, and supplier relationships.

Desirable:

• Experience with labs and equipment commonly used in high-throughput screening, antibody discovery, or molecular biology techniques.
• Supervisory experience.

Skills & abilities:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and laboratory management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support lab expansions and refurbishments.
• Skilled in minimizing disruption during planned and unplanned maintenance.
• Strong understanding of laboratory compliance requirements and ability to troubleshoot complex issues with flexibility and initiative

About us:

LifeArc is a not-for-profit life science organisation, leading the way for change in rare diseases in the UK and supporting promising initiatives in global health. We seek out research in areas of unmet need that has great potential, providing support to help it become breakthroughs that change lives.

What we can offer you:

Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of ‘putting patients at the centre of everything we do’.

We are dedicated to creating a diverse, flexible, equitable and happy work environment so our colleagues can thrive as their truest selves. We act with courage, curiosity, care & commitment to deliver quality & excellence for our patients and each other Join us, and you’ll be given the scope to develop your professional skills and experience in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.

Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles.

We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.