Lab Manager - Oncology Discovery (Site-Based)

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Hartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in the UK is seeking a seasoned Lab Manager to lead Oncology Discovery laboratories. This site-based role emphasizes management of lab activities and scientific contributions to drug discovery. The ideal candidate has a BSc/MSc in life sciences and a proven track record in lab management, biosafety compliance, and excellent communication skills. Competitive compensation is offered with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive laboratory experience in drug discovery or translational research.
• Proven track record in lab management or coordination.
• Strong understanding of HTA compliance and laboratory best practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for lab activities.
• Coordinate with support staff for seamless lab operations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Laboratory management

Biosafety compliance

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

BSc/MSc in life sciences

Tools

Lab support systems

Job description

Are you ready to lead the charge in scientific innovation? We are on the lookout for a seasoned Lab Manager to steer the operations of our Oncology Discovery laboratories. This site-based role demands a dynamic individual who can expertly manage lab activities while contributing hands‑on to groundbreaking drug discovery projects. If you're passionate about ensuring seamless lab functionality and driving scientific progress, this is your chance to make a significant impact!

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all lab-related activities across designated labs.
• Coordinate with services support staff and other functional lab managers to ensure seamless lab support and service delivery.
• Lead onboarding and lab induction for new users, including cold storage management and lab access.
• Represent the Oncology ICC group in cross‑functional meetings.
• Work as PD for Human Biological Samples (HTA role).
• Maintain and implement waste management streams, cleaning rotas, and lab stock coordination.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental (SHE) standards and act as the owner of relevant risk assessments.
• Champion lab readiness for infrastructure changes and coordinate Capex requests and purchases.

Scientific Contribution (20%)

• Support ongoing drug discovery projects through hands‑on lab work, contributing to experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with scientists to ensure lab workflows are optimized for productivity and innovation.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in a life sciences discipline with extensive laboratory experience in a drug discovery or translational research setting.
• Proven track record in lab management or coordination, ideally within a matrixed or cross‑functional environment.
• Strong understanding of biosafety, HTA compliance, and laboratory best practices.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable balancing operational responsibilities with occasional hands‑on scientific work.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience working in oncology or immuno‑oncology research.
• Familiarity with lab support systems (e.g., Avantor/LSS).
• Enthusiasm for building a collaborative and efficient lab environment.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our passion for science and the potential it holds to transform healthcare. Our commitment to innovation is unwavering as we explore new ways to treat, prevent, and cure complex diseases. By integrating data and technology with scientific breakthroughs, we are poised to make a profound impact on patients' lives globally. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration across academia, biotechs, and industry, empowering us to push boundaries and deliver life‑changing medicines. Here, curiosity thrives, and lifelong learning is embraced, offering endless opportunities for growth and development.