Laboratory Operations & Safety Lead

- United States - VWR International; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor in Cambridge, UK is seeking a Technical Laboratory Manager to lead daily operations across multiple laboratories. You will be the main point of contact for users, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient lab practices while supporting space planning and equipment lifecycle.

The role focuses on HSE leadership, training, and continuous improvement, partnering with scientists, facilities teams, and suppliers to maintain uninterrupted operations in a modern research environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, or related field.
• Experience managing or supporting laboratory operations.
• Strong knowledge of lab HSE, risk management, and compliance.
• Experience coordinating multiple laboratories and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Hands-on approach with laboratory users and scientific teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operation of multiple laboratories.
• Be main contact for laboratory users; provide guidance.
• Drive HSE compliance across labs.
• Lead safety activities, risk assessments, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate maintenance, servicing, calibration, and lifecycle of equipment.
• Partner with scientists, facilities teams, contractors, and suppliers.
• Deliver laboratory inductions, training, and ongoing support.
• Manage consumables and cold storage areas.
• Lead sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support space planning, utilisation, and optimisation projects.

Skills

Lab ops leadership

HSE compliance

Stakeholder collab

Training & inductions

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

IQ/OQ/PQ knowledge

Job description

Avantor in Cambridge, UK is seeking a Technical Laboratory Manager to lead daily operations across multiple laboratories. You will be the main point of contact for users, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient lab practices while supporting space planning and equipment lifecycle.

The role focuses on HSE leadership, training, and continuous improvement, partnering with scientists, facilities teams, and suppliers to maintain uninterrupted operations in a modern research environment.