Assistant Laboratory Operations Manager

At UK Biobank, our laboratories are at the heart of one of the world’s most important biomedical resources. Every sample processed contributes to discoveries that advance global health and we’re looking for someone who can help us keep these operations running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the daily operational excellence of our labs, supporting innovation and world-class research.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the daily operational excellence of our labs, supporting innovation and world-class research.

Can you do it?

Reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our Laboratory, ensuring activities, staff, and equipment are well-coordinated to deliver against operational goals. You’ll help maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, support new projects, and lead a team that makes a real impact every day.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role that blends people leadership, operational planning, and scientific rigour.

You will be responsible for:

Establishing clear goals and expectations for the Laboratory Team, coordinating and prioritising incoming resource requests, and managing rotas and daily task allocation to ensure delivery against project, operational, and team targets.
Maintaining a safe, efficient working environment adhering to quality and other relevant standards
Supporting the Laboratory Operations Manager to ensure samples are collected, processed and stored to maximise their scientific value and utility
Working collaboratively with the Laboratory Team to deliver Laboratory objectives
Supporting the Laboratory Operations Manager to engage, motivate and develop the Laboratory Operations Team and those staff processing samples at other UK Biobank sites

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

Experience of line management including recruitment and rota management/task allocation for an appreciably sized team (headcount 10-20+)
Experience of working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload individually and for the team in a fast-paced environment to support multiple projects and operational duties.
Experienced user of automated liquid handling systems including troubleshooting/process development
Experience of using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hybrid working is available. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).

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.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave- Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
➕ Holiday Buy Scheme- Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
🎂 Birthday Leave- Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
🏦 USS Pension Scheme- Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan- Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
👶 Enhanced Family Leave -Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme- Save on a new bike and accessories.
🚆 Season Ticket Loan- Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
📄 Professional Subscriptions- Reimbursement where applicable.
📚 Learning budget- Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
🍽️ Subsidised Lunches- Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
🚗 Free Car Parking- On-site parking available for staff.
🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal- Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
📞 Employee Assistance Programme- Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
💉 Annual Flu Vaccination- Stay protected with free flu jabs.
🛡️ Life Assurance Cover- Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Onsite

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.

About UK Biobank

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.

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