Lab Manager – Life Sciences

Location: Edinburgh (Onsite)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

We’re working with a pioneering life sciences organisation in Edinburgh to find a proactive and detail-focused Lab Manager. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone with a background in molecular biology or genomics who’s ready to lead day-to-day lab operations while supporting research and development activities in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

About the Role

As Lab Manager, you’ll take ownership of a growing laboratory’s operations, ensuring it runs safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory standards. You’ll manage a small lab team, oversee inventory and equipment, support project coordination, and help implement best practices across lab processes.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines scientific insight, operational oversight, and people management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily lab operations to ensure safety, accuracy, and efficiency
• Oversee and support a small team of laboratory staff
• Coordinate resources and timelines for lab-based projects
• Implement and enforce SOPs and quality protocols
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; organise servicing and repairs
• Track and manage samples and reagents to ensure traceability and quality
• Monitor inventory, order supplies, and control costs
• Support onboarding, training, and development of lab staff
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and internal policies
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in genomics or a related life sciences field
• Minimum one year’s experience in a lab management role
• Previous experience in a commercial or industrial lab setting
• Strong working knowledge of lab compliance and safety regulations
• People management experience, including one-to-ones and appraisals
• Familiarity with LIMS or similar lab management systems
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and lab software
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in genomics or a related discipline
• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g. Nanopore, PacBio)
• Background in PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and library prep techniques
• Experience working in a start-up environment
• Strong RNA handling skills

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Onsite role based in Edinburgh
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth
• A chance to contribute to meaningful, impactful scientific work

Ready to Apply?

If you’re an organised and motivated lab professional looking to step into a leadership role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to help shape the future of research and innovation.