Lab Operations Manager
6 days ago
Nottingham
Job Title: Lab Operations Manager \nEmployment Type: Full-Time, Permanent \nSalary: £45,000 per annum (Depending on experience) \nLocation: Nottingham, Full time, 5 day week over Monday - Saturday \n\nWe are working exclusively with a specialist laboratory focused on DNA-based fungal analysis, delivering high-quality environmental insights through modern molecular workflows. \n\nThe 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. \n\nThis 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. \n\nThe Role: \n\nTake ownership of daily laboratory performance, including throughput, turnaround times, and workflow efficiency\nOversee end-to-end sample processing including receipt, DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing preparation\nManage batch-based processing workflows to ensure consistent and reliable output\nIdentify and implement improvements to increase efficiency and scalability\nMaterials Informatics & AI-Assisted Formulation: Using clustering, correlation analysis, and AI to identify best candidates for new materials, predict stability, and guide formulation decisions.\nRobotic 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.\nKnowledge Management & Enterprise Systems: Developing ontologies, knowledge graphs, and robust database/version control systems to support reproducible research and enterprise-scale data integration.\nOversee molecular workflows including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing\nSupport optimisation and validation of laboratory methods\nTroubleshoot technical issues and ensure consistency of results\nMaintain equipment performance, calibration, and correct usage\n\nRequired experience: \n\nDegree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or a related field\nStrong hands-on experience with DNA extraction and PCR workflows\nProven ability to supervise or support laboratory staff\nStrong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workflows\n\nDesirable experience: \n\nExperience in high-throughput or production laboratory environments\nExperience with sequencing technologies, particularly Oxford Nanopore\nExperience working with environmental or microbiological samples\nExperience working towards ISO 17025 or ISO 9001 quality standards\nExperience with LIMS or laboratory data management systems\n\nSRG are the UK number 1 recruitment company specialising in the science, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, renewable, biotech, chemicals and medical devices sectors. \n\nAs 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. \n\nIf you have a scientific background and this position is not relevant / suitable for you please feel free to get in touch or visit (url removed) to view our other vacancies.\n\nGuidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy