Lead a team supporting one of the world’s largest biomedical research resources.
At UK Biobank, our laboratories play a critical role in supporting global health research. Behind every sample processed, every workflow improved, and every operational milestone achieved is a team committed to quality, precision, and continuous improvement.
We're now looking for a Lab Supervisor to help lead the day-to-day running of our laboratory operations, supporting a team of Laboratory Technicians and Senior Laboratory Technicians while helping deliver one of the most exciting periods in our history.
From relocating over 10 million biological samples into a brand-new facility to working alongside advanced laboratory robotics and automation technologies, this is a fantastic opportunity to combine people leadership with technical laboratory expertise.
This role supports the Assistant Laboratory Operations Manager in the daily operation of the laboratory.
You'll provide leadership and direction to a team of laboratory professionals, ensuring resources are effectively deployed, operational targets are achieved, and quality standards are maintained.
Working closely with senior laboratory colleagues, you'll help oversee training, competency, quality processes, sample management, and continuous improvement activities. You'll also play a key role in supporting project implementation, introducing new processes, and helping the laboratory continue its transition into a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced automation systems.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and working within a highly collaborative scientific environment.
You will be responsible for:
- Supervising a small team of Senior Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Technicians
- Working closely with other senior laboratory roles in relation to operational laboratory matters such as training and competency, sample management, quality, R&D, etc.
- Supporting activities around project implementation such as updating documentation, equipment checks, test new processes
- Co-ordinating daily activities of Laboratory Technicians including adjustment of duties in line with available resources and changing priorities
- Undertaking regular checks, including safety and quality checks, to ensure laboratory is maintained as required, Ensuring compliance to ISO 9001, 20387, HTA Governance
To be successful, you will have:
- Experience of managing a team of lab technicians
- BSc in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent laboratory experience
- Experience of using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
- Knowledge of automated liquid handling systems, including troubleshooting / process development
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
Working hours are 35 hours. Supervisors work 5 days out of 7 as part of a 7-day operational environment. This role is primarily onsite, with some flexibility to work from home where business needs allow. Located in Greater Manchester, supporting both laboratory operations and Manchester Science Park activities.
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact
Tommy Wilson [email protected] so we can support you.
Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated as 77%, (High) reflecting how people experience working here day-to-day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow.
There’s a real focus on learning, flexibility, and feeling valued, whether that’s developing new skills, contributing ideas, or building a career within Laboratory Operations.
Benefits
️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays
➕ Holiday Buy Scheme
Birthday Leave
USS Pension Scheme
Healthcare Cash Plan
Enhanced Family Leave
Cycle to Work Scheme
Season Ticket Loan
Professional Subscriptions
Training & Development Opportunities
️ Free On-Site Gym
️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches
Free Car Parking
️ Employee Discounts Portal
Employee Assistance Programme
Annual Flu Vaccination
️ Life Assurance Cover
#LI-Onsite
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.
The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases – such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.
UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 350 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work alongside the world's leading biomedical scientists in our joint mission to improve public health.
