Description
Lab Manager – Life Sciences
Location: Edinburgh (Onsite)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
We’re working with a pioneering life sciences organisation in Edinburgh to find a proactive and detail-focused Lab Manager. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone with a background in molecular biology or genomics who’s ready to lead day-to-day lab operations while supporting research and development activities in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
About the Role
As Lab Manager, you’ll take ownership of a growing laboratory’s operations, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory standards. You’ll manage a small lab team, oversee inventory and equipment, support project coordination, and help implement best practices across lab processes.
This is a varied and rewarding role that combines scientific insight, operational oversight, and people management.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage daily lab operations to ensure safety, accuracy, and efficiency
* Oversee and support a small team of laboratory staff
* Coordinate resources and timelines for lab-based projects
* Implement and enforce SOPs and quality protocols
* Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; organise servicing and repairs
* Track and manage samples and reagents to ensure traceability and quality
* Monitor inventory, order supplies, and control costs
* Support onboarding, training, and development of lab staff
* Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and internal policies
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
Essential:
* Bachelor’s degree in genomics or a related life sciences field
* Minimum one year’s experience in a lab management role
* Previous experience in a commercial or industrial lab setting
* Strong working knowledge of lab compliance and safety regulations
* People management experience, including one-to-ones and appraisals
* Familiarity with LIMS or similar lab management systems
* Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and lab software
* Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
Desirable:
* Postgraduate qualification in genomics or a related discipline
* Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g. Nanopore, PacBio)
* Background in PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and library prep techniques
* Experience working in a start-up environment
* Strong RNA handling skills
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary
* Onsite role based in Edinburgh
* Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth
* A chance to contribute to meaningful, impactful scientific work
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an organised and motivated lab professional looking to step into a leadership role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to help shape the future of research and innovation.