Laboratory Operations Manager

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job description

The UK alone throws out 3 billion disposable nappies, made of plastic that decompose over centuries. At Planet Smart, we believe all necessary hygiene products, like sanitary napkins and adult diapers, should remain convenient without compromising the planet.

As a start-up that just raised $500k from Silicon Valley, Planet Smart is developing new biomaterials to face the plastic pollution crisis and curb carbon emissions from this polluting industry. We are first tackling menstrual pads; you can check out more information on this project at planetsmart.co.

Your Role

As laboratory operations manager, you will work closely with the founding team and the research team to manage both long-term and day-to-day laboratory operations. The role covers several areas, giving you exposure to experimental work, project management, and procurement.

Responsibilities

1. Procurement: manage the laboratory budget & inventory and ensure timely replenishment of stock, maintain relationships with existing suppliers and assess new vendors.
2. Project management & reporting: Deliver regular reports on work completed in an organized manner, support the founding team in ensuring experimental work is done according to project plan and identified priorities.
3. Operations: Act as liaison between the research team and the building management/services, investigate availability of and book equipment.
4. Experimental work: Take over routine finished product testing according to standardized procedure.

Knowledge / Experience required

1. BSc/MSc in Chemistry or Material Science.
2. At least 3 years professional experience in operations, project management, scheduling, or laboratory work in life science/chemistry setting.
3. Laboratory work experience, at minimum during university studies.
4. Experience delivering timely reports to leadership.
5. Structured and organized way of working for overall lab management.
6. Experience in lab data analysis with attention to detail.
7. Entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude, presenting solutions rather than problems.
8. Excellent communication skills and experience working in multicultural teams, fluent in English.

What we offer

1. 12-month starting contract at £35-40,000 plus 12% performance bonus, with possibility to extend.
2. 20 days holidays + bank holidays.
3. Access to a professional & personal coach.

Location: White City, London (on-site presence for this role is necessary).