Lab Manager – Oncology Discovery (Site-Based)

Career Opportunity: Lab Manager, Oncology Discovery

Are you a forward-thinking scientist with a passion for operational excellence and a drive for innovation? This exciting Lab Manager role in Oncology Discovery presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of groundbreaking drug discovery. If you're seeking a position where you can blend strategic leadership with hands-on scientific contribution, this could be your next significant career move.

What This Role Offers:

This position is designed for a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, research-intensive environment. The core of your responsibilities will focus on ensuring the seamless operation of our state-of-the-art Oncology Discovery laboratories, while also allowing for meaningful engagement with critical drug discovery projects. This is a chance to not only manage but also to actively contribute to scientific advancements that have the potential to profoundly impact patient lives.

Key Accountabilities and Advantages for Candidates:

• Lab Operations & Management (80%):
• Leadership & Ownership: Serve as the central point of contact for all lab-related activities, providing clear direction and fostering a culture of efficiency and safety. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your leadership skills and demonstrate strategic oversight.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with a network of service support staff and other functional lab managers. This aspect of the role emphasizes the importance of collaboration and building strong working relationships across departments, a vital skill for career progression.
• Onboarding & Access Management: Play a crucial role in welcoming and integrating new users into the lab environment, including the meticulous management of cold storage and lab access. This highlights your responsibility and trust within the team.
• Cross-Functional Representation: Represent the Oncology ICC group in key cross-functional meetings, offering valuable exposure to broader project strategies and decision-making processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Act as the designated point person (PD) for Human Biological Samples (HTA role) and champion the implementation of robust waste management streams, cleaning rotas, and stock coordination. This provides a strong foundation in regulatory adherence and best practices.
• Health, Safety & Environment (SHE): Ensure strict compliance with SHE standards and take ownership of relevant risk assessments. This is a critical responsibility that demonstrates a commitment to a safe and responsible research environment.
• Infrastructure & Investment: Champion lab readiness for infrastructure changes and coordinate capital expenditure requests and purchases. This offers insight into resource management and strategic planning for lab development.
• Scientific Contribution (20%):
• Hands-on Scientific Engagement: Contribute directly to ongoing drug discovery projects through experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting. This is a significant advantage for candidates who are passionate about staying connected to the science and want to apply their expertise directly.
• Workflow Optimization: Collaborate with scientists to ensure lab workflows are optimized for maximum productivity and innovation, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence.

Essential Skills and Experience for Success:

To excel in this role, candidates will benefit from:

• A strong academic background with a BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in a life sciences discipline, complemented by extensive laboratory experience in drug discovery or translational research.
• A demonstrable track record in lab management or coordination, preferably within a complex, matrixed, or cross-functional setting.
• A solid understanding of biosafety, HTA compliance, and general laboratory best practices.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• The capacity to effectively balance operational responsibilities with occasional hands-on scientific tasks, showcasing versatility and dedication.

Desirable Skills for Enhanced Impact:

While not strictly required, candidates with the following experience will find additional advantages:

• Previous experience in oncology or immuno-oncology research.
• Familiarity with laboratory support systems (e.g., Avantor/LSS).
• A genuine enthusiasm for fostering a collaborative and highly efficient lab environment.

This role offers a compelling pathway for career growth, allowing you to expand your leadership capabilities while remaining immersed in the exciting field of oncology drug discovery. If you are ready to embrace a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to explore this position further.