Senior Scientific Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge's CRUK Cambridge Institute is seeking a Senior Scientific Associate (Laboratory Manager) to lead lab operations in the Wang Group. You will manage equipment, safety, data systems, procurement and training while supporting research teams on cutting-edge imaging and sequencing projects.

You will supervise staff, coordinate resources, and contribute to the group's scientific direction, fostering a collaborative and compliant lab culture in a world-leading research

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory management and setup of new facilities.
• Ability to lead, train and supervise researchers and technicians.
• Strong organisational skills for data, reagents, and equipment inventories.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory set-up and equipment commissioning.
• Safety and compliance management.
• Systems, data and records maintenance.
• Budget and stock management.
• Induction and supervision of staff.
• Lead or co-lead projects and contribute to scientific direction.
• Recruitment support and grant prep assistance.
• Organise group meetings and culture initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory management

Experiment support

Data handling

Safety compliance

Budgeting

ELN

Code repositories

LIMS

Tools

Electronic laboratory notebook

Code repositories

LIMS

Job description

Join us at the world-leading CRUK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities, and we're eagerly searching for an experienced Senior Scientific Associate (Laboratory Manager) to join our Wang Group.

The Wang Group develops and applies cutting-edge imaging and sequencing methods to bridge the gap between high resolution microscopy and genome-wide discovery. Our research program is focused on creating a quantitative, multi-scale understanding of the cell to reveal fundamental principles linking molecular-level organisation to cellular functions and pathological states.

We seek an experienced, organised and collaborative individual for this role, which combines laboratory management and scientific support with hands‑on experimental research. You will have the unique opportunity to take on a leadership role in a new lab, assisting Dr. Wang in managing projects in the lab, developing new scientific directions, and providing technical assistance and guidance to PhD students, postdocs and research assistants.

We are interested in individuals who are flexible in leading independent projects, as well as working collaboratively within and outside of the group, and helping others when needed. You should be enthusiastic about setting up a positive lab culture, including effective teamwork, communication and organised systems (for data/code/reagents/record keeping). You should be detail‑oriented and have a positive, can‑do attitude to problem‑solving.

What you will do in this post:

• Laboratory set-up: Plan lab layout with the Institute's estates and facilities teams; coordinate delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment; and bring the space to a state where research can begin safely and efficiently.
• Equipment and procurement: Specify and cost major and minor equipment, obtain quotations, place orders and negotiate with vendors; arrange service contracts, calibration and preventative maintenance; and manage faults, warranties and repairs.
• Safety and compliance: Own the group's health-and-safety framework, including COSHH and genetic-modification risk assessments, local rules, laser safety where applicable, waste streams and training records; act as the group's point of contact for the Institute's safety and compliance teams.
• Systems, data and records: Establish and maintain the group's electronic laboratory notebook, data storage and backup, code repositories, standard operating procedures, and inventories for reagents, antibodies, cell lines, consumables and samples.
• Budget and stock: Monitor consumable expenditure against the group's budget, place and reconcile orders, manage stock levels and minimise waste, and help the Group Leader forecast equipment and consumable spend.
• Induction, training and supervision: Induct every new member of the group, train them in the group's methods and standards, maintain training and competence records, and provide day‑to‑day supervision and technical guidance to research assistants, students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Core experimental platforms: Establish, validate, benchmark and document the group's core platforms so that others can run them reliably; troubleshoot failures and distinguish instrument artefact from biological signal.
• Your own research: Lead or co‑lead experimental and method‑development projects through to publication, and contribute to the group's scientific direction.
• Supporting the Group Leader: Contribute to project planning, prioritisation and allocation of shared resources; assist with recruitment, grant applications and funder reports; and deputise on operational matters as required.
• Group culture: Organise group meetings, seminars and retreats, and help build a safe, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.