Laboratory Operations Manager

PassFort; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunity to work with founding team

Career growth and leadership pathways

Job summary

Level Zero seeks a Lab Manager to own day-to-day lab operations, safety, and compliance across analytical chemistry, biological work, phlebotomy, and prototyping. You’ll ensure safe, efficient lab functioning and scale readiness as the team grows.

You’ll navigate risk assessments, supplier coordination, and onboarding, while maintaining audit-ready documentation in a fast-moving biosensor startup environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a multi-function lab
• Solid knowledge of UK HSE and COSHH requirements
• Experience handling human samples or phlebotomy governance
• Familiarity with LC-MS or similar instrumentation
• Highly organized with proactive problem-solving
• Ability to adapt in a fast-moving startup
• Clear communicator translating safety requirements to non-specialists

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain risk assessments (COSHH and H&S) to UK standards across lab functions.
• Manage day-to-day lab logistics, equipment maintenance, waste disposal, and supplier relationships.
• Oversee human samples handling, consent, storage, and disposal per UK rules.
• Plan and manage lab space, procurement, and layout as the team scales.
• Coordinate safety/compliance with scientists and leadership to balance pace and rigor.
• Run lab safety inductions and training for new hires.
• Maintain documents and practices for audits and external reviews.
• Support office logistics and ad-hoc supplies as needed.

Skills

Lab management

HSE COSHH

Phlebotomy governance

UK regulatory compliance

LC-MS familiarity

Clear communication

Tools

LC-MS

Job description

About Us

Level Zero is pioneering next-generation biosensor technology for precise, real-time monitoring of critical endocrine biomarkers. Recognised as one of the top 20 startups across all categories worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 - and backed by top-tier organisations like redalpine, SOSV and Entrepreneur First - we’re pushing the boundaries of biochemistry and nanotechnology to revolutionize personalised health.

Founded by two seasoned engineers, we bring extensive experience in R&D, technical innovation, and commercial strategy to transform the way people monitor their health. Our mission is bold: to revolutionise health management by delivering clinical-grade data directly to individuals, wherever they are.

We’re seeking driven innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of biosensing and health tech, making personalised health monitoring a reality for everyone. To achieve this ambitious vision, we’re assembling the best team in the world - dedicated to turning cutting-edge science into life-changing, real‑world solutions.

The role

We're looking for a Lab Manager to own the day-to-day running, safety, and compliance of a multi-disciplinary lab spanning analytical chemistry (LC‑MS), biological work with human samples, phlebotomy, and electrical/mechanical prototyping. You'll be the person who makes sure the lab runs safely, efficiently, and is ready to scale - from writing risk assessments to managing suppliers to onboarding new scientists and engineers as the team grows.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who can move fluidly between compliance paperwork, equipment troubleshooting, and calm judgement calls on safety in a fast-moving startup environment.

What You’ll Do

• Health & safety and compliance: Own and maintain risk assessments (COSHH, general H&S) to UK HSE standards across all lab functions - chemical, biological (human samples), phlebotomy, and electrical/mechanical engineering. Keep SOPs current and ensure the team is trained on them
• Lab operations: Manage day‑to‑day lab logistics, consumables, equipment maintenance and calibration, waste disposal, and supplier relationships
• Human samples & phlebotomy governance: Ensure correct handling, storage, consent, and disposal processes for human biological samples, including any phlebotomy‑related activity, in line with relevant UK regulatory requirements
• Space & scaling: Help plan and manage lab space, equipment procurement, and layout as the team roughly doubles over the next year, anticipating bottlenecks before they happen
• Cross‑functional coordination: Work closely with scientists, engineers, and leadership to balance safety/compliance requirements with the pace needed in an early‑stage startup
• Onboarding: Run lab safety inductions and training for new hires as the team scales
• Audit readiness: Maintain documentation and lab practices in a state ready for external audits, funders, or regulatory review
• Office upkeep support (as needed): Help keep the office running smoothly by booking in visitors, ordering snacks/refreshments, and coordinating ad‑hoc office supplies or upkeep requests

Essential

What you bring

• Experience managing or coordinating a multi-function lab environment (ideally spanning wet lab biology and analytical chemistry; electrical/mechanical exposure is a strong plus)
• Solid working knowledge of UK HSE and COSHH requirements, and comfort writing and maintaining formal risk assessments
• Experience with, or willingness to be trained in, handling human biological samples and/or phlebotomy governance
• Familiarity with LC‑MS or similar analytical instrumentation (operating, maintaining, or coordinating servicing)
• Highly organised, with a bias toward proactive problem‑solving rather than waiting to be told what's broken
• Comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities: this is an early‑stage startup, and the role will evolve
• Clear communicator who can translate safety/compliance requirements for a non‑specialist audience

Desirable

• Prior experience in a startup or fast‑scaling R&D environment

Who You Are

We value culture as much as we value technical expertise, creating an environment that’s equal parts collaboration, curiosity, and fun. We’re a fast‑paced, mission‑driven young team on a quest to make a lasting impact, fueled by uncompromising integrity, unwavering support for one another, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories. Our passion for excellence drives everything we do, and we welcome individuals who share our commitment to shaping the future.

If our vision excites you, here are the qualities we look for:

• You live and breathe integrity, tackling challenges with honesty and transparency
• You’re a self‑starter who loves diving into the unknown, collaborating on complex problems, and taking full ownership of results
• You excel at open, clear communication and see every piece of feedback as a springboard for growth – especially in a science and data‑focused environment
• You’re motivated by creating real impact, particularly when it comes to advancing human health
• You strike a balance between independence and collaboration, knowing when to seek support or invite others to join in
• You’re confident in defending your ideas, while also valuing respectful, constructive debate as a path to better solutions
• You thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of a startup, constantly evolving your skill set and fearlessly applying what you learn

What We Offer

• A full‑time role with a competitive salary, reflecting our value in your expertise and potential
• An environment where you’ll collaborate directly with the founding team at a leading biosensor startup, gaining access to industry experts and thought leaders
• The chance to grow with us, including ample opportunities for leadership, career advancement, and exploration
• The excitement of working on cutting‑edge technology, shaping strategic decisions, and driving innovation at an early‑stage venture alongside a superstar team

Be Part of Our Journey

If you're ready to be at the forefront of biosensing innovation and thrive in fast‑paced, learning‑rich environments, we'd love to hear from you.

If your skills and experience do not align perfectly with this role, yet you believe you have something unique to offer, we’re keen to listen. Reach out to us with a short statement on how you can contribute and let’s discuss where you might fit into our team.