Laboratory Supervisor

UK Biobank; Stockport; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research organization in Stockport is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor to oversee the day-to-day operations of a new laboratory. You will coordinate the workflow, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and supporting the development of a collaborative team. The role offers a chance to work with innovative technologies and have a significant impact on scientific outcomes in health research. Competitive benefits include generous leave, a pension scheme, and wellness programs.

Benefits

26 Days’ Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supervising a laboratory team.
• Skilled in using and troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems.
• Strong organizational skills and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Familiarity with relevant ISO and GxP standards.
• Experience with complex information systems in scientific settings.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the laboratory and technician activities.
• Maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with the laboratory team on projects.
• Lead and motivate Laboratory Technicians and Senior Laboratory Technicians.

Skills

Experience supervising a laboratory team

User of automated liquid handling systems

Excellent organisational skills

Experience with ISO standards

Experience using a LIMS product

Able to work independently

Job description

Description

At UK Biobank, we operate one of the world’s most important health research resources supported by laboratory environments that are continually evolving, improving, and scaling to meet the needs of researchers worldwide. As part of our expanding laboratory operations, we’re establishing a brand-new facility equipped with innovative automation, modern workflows, and cutting‑edge instruments designed for efficiency and precision.

This is your opportunity to join a collaborative and high‑performing laboratory team at a pivotal moment. You’ll work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, contribute to a major lab relocation project, and play a key role in shaping processes that support high‑quality scientific outcomes. With strong team culture, excellent retention, and a focus on development, this role offers both challenge and meaningful impact.

Can you do it?

Reporting to the Assistant Lab Operations Manager, you’ll take a leading role in the day‑to‑day operation of our new Spectrum Way laboratory. You’ll coordinate workflow, maintain high‑quality output, ensure compliance with ISO and GxP standards, and provide visible, hands‑on support to your team.

You’ll oversee laboratory processes end‑to‑end from operating and troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems to ensuring tasks are allocated effectively and issues are resolved promptly. As a Laboratory Supervisor, you’ll guide and support the work of our Laboratory Technicians, helping the team meet operational targets while maintaining a safe, efficient, and well‑organised working environment.

You will be responsible for :

• Overseeing the daily operation of the laboratory, coordinating technician activities, allocating tasks and rotas, and acting as the main point of contact for internal teams and external service providers.
• Maintaining a safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory by troubleshooting equipment, performing regular checks, managing stock, supporting issue resolution, upholding behavioural standards, contributing to training and inductions, and preparing or updating SOPs and documentation.
• Working collaboratively across the laboratory team by coordinating technician project work, supporting senior staff on training, competency and quality, assisting with project implementation activities, and deputising for the Assistant Laboratory Manager when required.
• Leading, supporting, and motivating Laboratory Technicians and Senior Laboratory Technicians, contributing to team engagement and overseeing recruitment activities.

Is this ‘You’?

To be successful, you will have :

• Experience supervising a laboratory team and coaching or mentoring staff.
• User of automated liquid handling systems including troubleshooting / process development
• Excellent organisational skills with experience responding to changes in priorities
• Experience of working to the requirements of a relevant ISO standard (e.g. ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO15189, ISO27001), GxP or equivalent
• Experience of using a LIMS product or equivalent complex information system supporting scientific work
• Able to work with minimal supervision and remain proactive and self‑motivated.

Working hours are 35‑hours per week, Sunday to Thursday shift pattern. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work‑life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team :

• 🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• ➕ Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• 🎂 Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• 🏦 USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit / defined contribution pension plan.
• 🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• 👶 Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• 🚆 Season Ticket Loan - Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
• 📄 Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• 📚 Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• 🍽️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• 🚗 Free Car Parking - On‑site parking available for staff.
• 🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• 📞 Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work‑related issues.
• 💉 Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• 🛡️ Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Onsite

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.

UK Biobank is a large‑scale biomedical database and research resource containing in‑depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.

The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life‑threatening diseases – such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid‑later life.

UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 350 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work alongside the world’s leading biomedical scientists in our joint mission to improve public health.