Overview
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford is seeking a highly organised and experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the operational, technical, and compliance functions of a rapidly expanding research laboratory in Plant Sciences. The role ensures the seamless support of cutting-edge scientific research, managing a multidisciplinary technical team, implementing rigorous quality assurance processes, and serving as the primary liaison between scientific leadership, facilities, procurement, and regulatory stakeholders. Responsibilities include SOP development, space management, inventory oversight, and audit readiness to enable scientific excellence, operational resilience, and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
* Facility Management: Oversee daily facilities of the laboratories, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to quality standards; manage laboratory technicians and stores manager, including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating team members; implement and enforce laboratory safety procedures ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as GM licence, GLP, ISO, and other relevant standards; monitor lab conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) to meet the specifications required for operations.
* Equipment Management: Work with laboratory technicians and the technical procurement specialist to ensure the laboratory is properly maintained and organised, with all equipment, consumables, and reagents available for research projects; manage laboratory facilities, including cleanliness, space optimisation, and ensuring that all equipment and instruments are operational; oversee maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment; liaise with external vendors and service providers as needed.
* Operational Support: Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for relevant laboratory processes, ensuring consistency and compliance with quality standards; maintain COSHH forms and risk assessments for all relevant substances; troubleshoot technical and operational issues in workflows and provide solutions to prevent delays; manage access / use of equipment including establishment of appropriate training procedures for new users; optimise laboratory space and equipment usage to support the work of a rapidly growing research team.
* Collaboration with Research and Development Teams: Work closely with scientific leadership to understand research objectives and adapt laboratory operations to support evolving needs; serve as the key point of contact for the central EIT facilities team and provide updates on equipment, facilities, and operational issues; contribute to project planning and strategy, ensuring that laboratory facilities support the scientific development goals of the organisation; maintain communication with research teams and establish a scheduling system for shared facility and equipment access; identify improvements to manage scheduling conflicts when facility restrictions are identified.
* Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Work with the technical procurement specialist, laboratory technicians and relevant finance departments to manage inventory levels for laboratory consumables, reagents, and critical supplies; track and maintain proper documentation of inventory and ensure timely ordering of supplies to avoid stockouts or delays; maintain a system for tracking the usage, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
* Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee compliance with relevant safety, regulatory, and quality standards (e.g., GLP and ISO regulations) in all aspects of laboratory operations including GMO assurance and compliance; implement and maintain quality control (QC) processes for processing workflows, ensuring high accuracy and reproducibility of results; participate in internal and external audits and inspections; ensure proper documentation of processes, workflows, and sample handling procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
* Educated to a minimum of BSc up to PhD in a relevant field.
* At least 5 years of experience working in a laboratory environment, with a minimum of 2 years in a management or supervisory role.
* Strong background in Plant Sciences, with familiarity with the requirements of molecular biology techniques, cell culture, Plant growth.
* Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems (e.g., GLP, ISO).
Key Attributes
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse group of laboratory professionals.
* Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a high-tech laboratory environment.
* Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
* In-depth knowledge of laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
* Proficiency in laboratory management software, inventory systems, and data tracking tools.
* Effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
* Detail-oriented with strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a flexible, solutions-oriented mindset.
* Strong commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment.
Salary and Benefits
* Enhanced holiday pay
* Pension
* Life Assurance
* Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hospital Cash Plan
* Therapy Services
* Electric Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. We value emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, and we encourage people to be curious with a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment
* You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
* You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
* During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
Role Details
* Seniority level: Associate
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Science and Research
* Industries: Research Services
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