Job Title: Lab Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 per annum (Depending on experience)
Location: Nottingham, Full time, 5 day week over Monday - Saturday

We are working exclusively with a specialist laboratory focused on DNA-based fungal analysis, delivering high-quality environmental insights through modern molecular workflows.

The work is centred around high-throughput processing of samples using DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing technologies, including Oxford Nanopore platforms. The laboratory is being built and operated in line with ISO 17025 quality standards, with a strong focus on robustness, scalability, and data quality.

This is an opportunity to join at a key stage of growth and play a central role in shaping laboratory operations. We are seeking a hands-on Laboratory Manager to take ownership of day-to-day laboratory operations and lead the delivery of high-throughput molecular workflows.

The Role:

Take ownership of daily laboratory performance, including throughput, turnaround times, and workflow efficiency
Oversee end-to-end sample processing including receipt, DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing preparation
Manage batch-based processing workflows to ensure consistent and reliable output
Identify and implement improvements to increase efficiency and scalability
Materials Informatics & AI-Assisted Formulation: Using clustering, correlation analysis, and AI to identify best candidates for new materials, predict stability, and guide formulation decisions.
Robotic Lab Automation: Designing intelligent robotic workflows that combine cobot programming with machine vision and data-driven models to automate laboratory actions, enhance process monitoring, and support real-time decision-making.
Knowledge Management & Enterprise Systems: Developing ontologies, knowledge graphs, and robust database/version control systems to support reproducible research and enterprise-scale data integration.
Oversee molecular workflows including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing
Support optimisation and validation of laboratory methods
Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure consistency of results
Maintain equipment performance, calibration, and correct usage

Required experience:

Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or a related field
Strong hands-on experience with DNA extraction and PCR workflows
Proven ability to supervise or support laboratory staff
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workflows

Desirable experience:

Experience in high-throughput or production laboratory environments
Experience with sequencing technologies, particularly Oxford Nanopore
Experience working with environmental or microbiological samples
Experience working towards ISO 17025 or ISO 9001 quality standards
Experience with LIMS or laboratory data management systems

SRG are the UK number 1 recruitment company specialising in the science, engineering, clinical, pharmaceutical, food/FMCG, renewable, biotech, chemicals and medical devices sectors.

As scientists ourselves, our specialist sector knowledge and our passion are second to none. It's this combination that makes us different. We're committed to providing outstanding temporary, contract and permanent career opportunities of all levels for our candidates and a comprehensive range of expert strategic recruitment services for our clients.

If you have a scientific background and this position is not relevant / suitable for you please feel free to get in touch or visit (url removed) to view our other vacancies.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy