The Opportunity:

We are looking for a Laboratory Manager to manage the Laboratory operation for one of our key customer contracts in Oxford on a full time, permanent basis.

 

A Lab Manager (LM) operates across multidiscipline Biopharma and Chemistry laboratories at our client`s site in Oxford, playing a pivotal role within a dynamic environment, enabling great science across therapeutic areas. 

 

In coordination with multiple internal groups as well as external contractors and vendors, the LM is tasked with providing support, guidance, services, efficiencies and infrastructure to enable Scientists to focus on scientific delivery. LM ensures equipment is in good working order and that supplies, space and information are available to the end users. LM works as part of numerous cross-functional teams to accomplish a wide range of goals in a timely and effective manner. 

 

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

 

Key Tasks: 

Operational day-to-day Laboratory management providing a ‘single point of contact‘ for laboratory scientists and external visitors 

Ensures the laboratory maintains its operational efficiency by liaising with all Facilities Management (FM) suppliers - planning preventative and scheduled maintenance regimes with minimal impact to daily operations, ensuring any FM helpdesk requests are completed 

Assists with organised visits from internal/external partners and regulatory bodies  

Maintains and organises laboratory consumable inventories and provides reports to the Dept leadership team as requested 

Performs laboratory inductions for internal/external and temporary lab users working in the area to familiarise them with laboratory policies and procedures 

Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within laboratory spaces and cross-functional teams 

Co-ordinates with laboratory scientists to ensure regular laboratory cleans are completed effectively 

Serves as a committee member on several cross functional teams including: SHE Safety Committee, Operations Lab Rep meetings, FM Supply Partner meetings. Ensures relevant actions are implemented and completed within a timely manner. 

Manages and maintains positive working relationships with internal research groups, contractors, suppliers, service providers and inspectors 

 

Equipment: 

Works with IT/other service providers to ensure equipment is running effectively, scientists are sufficiently provided and that client assets (especially high-cost equipment) are fully utilized  

May perform specialist equipment user performance checks and acts as the super-user of defined instruments as agreed with Dept leadership 

Manages and co-ordinates lab instrumentation maintenance, installation and repair through service providers 

Knowledge or experience of equipment IQ/OQ/PQ is an advantage 

 

Health and Safety Compliance (SHE) 

Supports the Dept leadership team with health and safety compliance and identification/delivery of improvements. This may include facilitating SHE meetings, supporting the Lab Safety Coordinator (LSC) with documentation (e.g. COSHH, risk assessments), ensuring SHE information is communicated to the laboratory users and leadership team 

Performs monthly SHE inspections in the lab, participates in SHE or service audits and leads the implementation of actions 

Ensures daily compliance to SHE procedures (e.g. PPE) and proactively reports and prevents near misses and unsafe conditions within the laboratory environment 

 

Additional Responsibilities – where applicable 

Actively supports Scientists in researching and testing of alternative consumables.  

May monitor spend aligned to capital investments and laboratory consumables; provides inventories and spreadsheets for tracking depreciation liaising with other service providers where required 

Supports new equipment demand by liaising with the Capital Demand Manager and works with the scientists to identify future requirements and new innovations in technology to further enhance scientific capability within the function 

Liaise with external suppliers and industry specialists to arrange demo kit/training to support new equipment demand 

 

QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Training, Experience and Certifications) 

 

A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, preferably Chemistry/ Biochemistry, or equivalent laboratory experience 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES (Those necessary to achieve conformity of products and services)  

 

Proven excellent customer service focus and ability to work collaboratively 

Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills  

Ability to influence people at all levels to deliver improvements and cost savings to the customer 

Knowledge and experience of lean sigma processes is an advantage 

Knowledge and experience of Change Control or similar change processes is required. 

Able to partner with other teams and suppliers and deliver results in a matrix environment, managing multiple internal and external partners/stakeholders 

Excellent problem-solving capabilities and confidence to make clear decisions sometimes with limited information 

Exceptional planning, organisational, analytical and networking skills 

Project management skills, ability to be flexible and handle multiple responsibilities and tasks on a regular basis 

Proficient in data capture, analysis and reporting utilising various IT systems particularly Microsoft Excel 

Multiple years of experience working in a laboratory environment 

Managing a busy laboratory with a large number of users 

Knowledge of SHE requirements in a laboratory environment 

IOSH certification is an advantage 

Knowledge of GLS, and GxP regulations, audit requirements and CAPAs 

Good team worker, demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the organisation and team members 

Flexible with working hours when required to deliver the service required to our customers 

Self-motivated, energetic, dependable, with a clear attention to detail 

Meticulous focus on quality 

Willing to work at the new R&D facility in central Cambridge 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions) 

 

This role is primarily based within a scientific laboratory, with some tasks requiring office-based desk work. The position routinely involves the handling of, and potential exposure to, hazardous materials and substances, for which appropriate training and safety protocols are in place. Physical requirements include frequent walking, standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift or carry items typically weighing up to 20kg.  

 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. 

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

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