Head of Laboratory

JR United Kingdom; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in genomic medicine seeks a Head of Laboratory to manage operations at their Manchester site. The role requires a robust background in molecular genetics and extensive laboratory experience. Key responsibilities include staff management, quality compliance, and driving process improvements to ensure service excellence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in a service laboratory with molecular genetics testing.
• Extensive experience in ISO 15189 Quality Management System.
• Experience in Oncology testing, whole genome sequencing, and Reproductive Health is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of a service laboratory and manage team of 3-4.
• Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements like ISO 15189.
• Develop study plans and coordinate with senior management on budget planning.

Skills

Project management

Molecular genetics

Compliance with ISO standards

Oral communication

Presentation skills

Education

Postgraduate education, MSc, or PhD in a scientific discipline

Job description

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Head of Laboratory, kingston upon hull, east yorkshire

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Client:

Location:

kingston upon hull, east yorkshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

06.06.2025

Expiry Date:

21.07.2025

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Job Description:

Job title: Head of Laboratory (Genomic Services)

Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer

Location: Based onsite at Manchester Science Park

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary & Benefits: Competitive Salary + Benefits Package

About Yourgene Health:

Yourgene Health is a leading integrated technologies and services business, enabling the delivery of genomic medicine. The group works in partnership with global leaders in DNA technology to advance diagnostic science. Our mission to enable scientific advances to positively impact human health remains at the core of our focus. It drives and motivates us to develop class leading products and services to meet our customers’ needs.

Yourgene primarily develops, manufactures, and commercialises simple and accurate molecular diagnostic solutions, for reproductive health, precision medicine and infectious diseases. We have a comprehensive offering of non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) NGS workflows that have been built with labs in mind, and clinical prenatal screening services. The IONA test was the pioneer, the first to market as an IVD product, changing the NIPT screening landscape back in 2015. Continuing to build on our expertise in cell-free DNA, our next generation size selection Ranger Technology uses machine vision for superior precision. With multiple platforms for a range of clinical and research cfDNA sample preparation applications including NIPT, liquid biopsy, gene synthesis and long fragment recovery.

In addition, we offer a portfolio of screening products in reproductive health, precision medicine and infectious disease including screening assays for cystic fibrosis and DPYD genotyping to prevent chemotoxicity.

Yourgene Genomic Services provides a range of genetic analysis services for our clinical, research and pharma customers to support partners with DNA extractions, biobanking, genotyping, arrays and sequencing workflows (WES and WGS). Yourgene Genomic Services offers a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Service, enabling clinics to run their own NIPT service for pregnant women with our prenatal screening tests and service laboratory based in Manchester.

Yourgene Health is part of the Novacyt group of companies and is headquartered in Manchester, UK with facilities in Singapore and Canada.

Our Culture:

Yourgene is a growing, vibrant and exciting place to work, we are looking for committed driven individuals to be part of our next growth journey. Our culture is described by our employee's as collegiate, friendly, professional, innovative, open and fast paced. We have many social and wellbeing initiatives run by our Nova Social and Charity Huddle that keep our sense of community and togetherness alive. At Yourgene we focus on putting values led programmes in place to ensure that we can attract, retain and develop our people. We want our people to have a career with Yourgene and we ensure that they are recognised and rewarded for their achievements and commitment, everyone plays a critical role in our growth journey.

Description of role:

We have an opportunity for a full-time and permanent Head of Laboratory to join our genomic services team based onsite at Manchester Science Park. The Head of Laboratory for Yourgene Genomic Services oversees the day-to-day running of a service laboratory that runs both contract research services and a clinical NIPT service laboratory. You will manage a team of 3-4 direct reports.

The Head of Laboratory for Yourgene Genomic Services will oversee efficient operations, ensuring timely project delivery and continuous service improvement of our clinical services and research service lab. The role encompasses daily laboratory management, staff supervision, and strategic development of new services to align with the company’s goals. You will ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements, such as ISO 15189, CQC Guidelines, HTA regulations and ethical guidelines. You will have direct contact with customers, assisting business development to build the business through developing customer relationships, building compelling service offerings and responding to tenders.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Ensure the appropriate staffing of the clinical laboratory service. Ensuring that the service meets the needs and requirements of the users and that the staff delivering the service have the required education, training and competence.
• Ensure staff awareness of quality and business objectives, policies, and ISO 15189 standards, fostering continuous improvement.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with ISO 15189, managing documentation, assets, and suppliers.
• Maintain patient data integrity and regulatory compliance for all projects and documentation, adhering to GDPR, GCLP and HTA regulations.
• Identify and address non-conformities, deviations, and risks associated with laboratory activities.
• Develop study plans/protocols, SOPs, and technical documents, ensuring compliance and approval.
• Stand up new clinical services in accordance with the ISO15189 standards ensuring they assays are robust, verified/validated and offer our service customers state of the art molecular testing.
• Collaborate internally and externally to provide technical support, resolve issues, and drive process improvements.
• Lead internal meetings, audits, and communication with senior management to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Liaise with the Quality Department to maintain correct documentation and SOPs.
• Liaise with the Clinical Research Manager to ensure samples are consented, collected and stored in line with HTA requirements.
• Work with the automation team and bioinformatics teams to ensure that samples are tracked and managed appropriately, ensuring suitable tools are selected and utilised in the service lab to ensure safe and effective clinical testing services.
• Contribute to profitable service delivery, maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Coordinate service schedules with senior management and project managers to meet business needs.
• Advise and assist Senior Management and the Executive Team on budget planning and financial management of the Clinical Services Laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH systems.
• Foster positive relationships with support departments (procurement, logistics, customer services, finance).
• Stay updated on scientific advancements and industry trends to align with company strategy.
• Ensure timely billing of completed projects

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Postgraduate education, MSc, or PhD, in a scientific discipline.
• 8+ years’ experience working in a service laboratory carrying out molecular genetics testing services, work experience in a clinical lab is preferred.
• Extensive experience working under ISO 15189 Quality Management System.
• Strong understanding of genetics, NGS, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
• Experience in Oncology testing, whole genome sequencing and Reproductive Health is desirable.
• Excellent writing, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience working with the selection of suitable bioinformatics and clinical reporting tools preferred.
• Demonstratable knowledge of patient consent, HTA, ethics and GDPR
• Confident communicator who is happy to communicate directly with external customers.
• Demonstratable experience of delivering projects on budget and to agreed timelines

Closing Date:

Equal opportunities:

Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives:

Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Yourgene Health and Novacyt Group employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.