Job Title: Lab Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 per annum (Depending on experience)
Location: Nottingham, Full time, 5 day week over Monday – Saturday
We are working exclusively with a specialist laboratory focused on DNA-based fungal analysis, delivering high-quality environmental insights through modern molecular workflows.
The work is centred around high-throughput processing of samples using DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing technologies, including Oxford Nanopore platforms. The laboratory is being built and operated in line with ISO 17025 quality standards, with a strong focus on robustness, scalability, and data quality.
This is an opportunity to join at a key stage of growth and play a central role in shaping laboratory operations. We are seeking a hands-on Laboratory Manager to take ownership of day-to-day laboratory operations and lead the delivery of high-throughput molecular workflows.
The Role:
* Take ownership of daily laboratory performance, including throughput, turnaround times, and workflow efficiency
* Oversee end-to-end sample processing including receipt, DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing preparation
* Manage batch-based processing workflows to ensure consistent and reliable output
* Identify and implement improvements to increase efficiency and scalability
* Materials Informatics & AI-Assisted Formulation: Using clustering, correlation analysis, and AI to identify best candidates for new materials, predict stability, and guide formulation decisions.
* Robotic Lab Automation: Designing intelligent robotic workflows that combine cobot programming with machine vision and data-driven models to automate laboratory actions, enhance process monitoring, and support real-time decision-making.
* Knowledge Management & Enterprise Systems: Developing ontologies, knowledge graphs, and robust database/version control systems to support reproducible research and enterprise-scale data integration.
* Oversee molecular workflows including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing
* Support optimisation and validation of laboratory methods
* Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure consistency of results
* Maintain equipment performance, calibration, and correct usage
Required experience:
* Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or a related field
* Strong hands-on experience with DNA extraction and PCR workflows
* Proven ability to supervise or support laboratory staff
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workflows
Desirable experience:
* Experience in high-throughput or production laboratory environments
* Experience with sequencing technologies, particularly Oxford Nanopore
* Experience working with environmental or microbiological samples
* Experience working towards ISO 17025 or ISO 9001 quality standards
* Experience with LIMS or laboratory data management systems
SRG are the UK number 1 recruitment company specialising in the science, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, renewable, biotech, chemicals and medical devices sectors.
As scientists ourselves, our specialist sector knowledge and our passion are second to none. It’s this combination that makes us different. We’re committed to providing outstanding temporary, contract and permanent career opportunities of all levels for our candidates and a comprehensive range of expert strategic recruitment services for our clients.
If you have a scientific background and this position is not relevant / suitable for you please feel free to get in touch or visit www.srgtalent.com to view our other vacancies.