Job description
Diagnostic Lab Manager / Lab Operations Manager
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 + EMI Option Scheme
Contract type: Permanent, on-site
Xgenera is a diagnostic company developing a multi-cancer early detection test and preparing to establish a UK diagnostic service laboratory. We are looking for a hands-on Lab Manager to help build and run a diagnostic lab from the ground up. This includes the initial lab renovations right through to general day-to-day management.
The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail oriented and process driven. They will need to be proactive and capable of working independently to build systems and processes from the ground up. Being adaptable and able to manage changing priorities is essential.
This is a foundational role. You will help create the systems, routines, and schedules that allow the lab to run smoothly, safely, and reliably. You will initially be hands-on in the lab, while building the processes needed to support future technicians, automation, and ISO 15189 accreditation. This role offers the chance to establish and lead a new lab, define how it operates, and play a highly visible role with significant growth potential within the company
Responsibilities
- Set up, operate and own the diagnostic testing lab.
- Own the day-to-day operations of the lab, including; equipment logs, calibration schedules, maintenance schedules, cleaning records, inventory, stock control and supplier relations
- Support sample receipt, tracking, storage, and chain of custody
- Work with Quality to ensure processes are compliant and well documented
- Ensure health and safety compliance and contamination control at a lab level
- Train and eventually manage lab staff
Essential Requirements
- 3+ years of experience managing or coordinating operations within a diagnostic, clinical, molecular biology, or regulated laboratory environment
- Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline
- Strong understanding of laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory management, SOPs, and documentation control
- Knowledge of laboratory health & safety requirements, risk assessments, COSHH, and contamination-control procedures
- Experience handling biological samples, including sample receipt, tracking, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple operational tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to work in a fast-moving startup environment and an ability to be dynamic and prioritise work accordingly.
Desirable
- HCPC registered
- Experience setting up, scaling, or commissioning a new laboratory or diagnostic facility
- Experience in a startup, scale-up or small regulated company
- Previous involvement in achieving or maintaining ISO 15189 and/or UKAS accreditation.
- Experience in PCR/qPCR workflows.
Why work at Xgenera?
At Xgenera, you’ll be part of a team doing something truly unique and exciting: developing and bringing to market a multi-cancer early detection test with the potential to deliver huge societal benefit. As a start-up, we offer the chance to get involved in varied, meaningful work where your ideas, energy and expertise can have a real impact. You’ll join a small team of less than 10 that are ambitious, collaborative and deeply values-led, with integrity, innovation, transparency, compassion and a commitment to shaping a better future at the heart of everything we do. We care about our employees as people, and we’re building an environment where everyone can contribute, grow and be proud of the work they’re doing.
If you think you would be a good fit for this role, please send your CV, cover letter, and a 2-minute video of yourself answering the following questions to [email protected]:
1. How do you balance pragmatism and perfectionism?
2. What aspect of lab management do you consider to be the most challenging to build or maintain and why?
3. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
