Clinical Safety Lab Manager

QPS Netherlands B.V.; Groningen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

QPS Netherlands, a global clinical research organization, is building its Clinical Safety Laboratory in Groningen. As Laboratory Manager you will lead daily operations, manage and develop the team, and implement improvements to processes and methods to support growth.

You will ensure compliance with GCP, ISO 15189 and Dutch regulations, supervise staff, coordinate instrumentation and planning, and partner with study teams to ensure readiness and high-quality data for trials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory (clinical safety testing preferred).
• Proven people management experience with direct responsibility for lab staff.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems and Dutch regulations (GCP, ISO 15189).
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with collaborative communication.
• Hands-on approach with developing people and improving operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily clinical safety laboratory operations to deliver high-quality, compliant, and efficient services.
• Develop laboratory processes, systems, and workflows to support continued growth.
• Supervise and develop laboratory staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Oversee instrumentation, maintenance, and introduction of new methods and services.
• Coordinate laboratory planning and consumables to meet study and business needs.
• Review study protocols and work with study teams to ensure laboratory readiness and successful study execution.
• Resolve operational and technical issues, drive improvements, and support client communication.

Skills

People management

Regulated lab experience

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Help shape a growing laboratory. Lead a team that makes a difference.At QPS Netherlands, part of a global clinical research organization, our work helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop new medicines. Our new Clinical Safety Laboratory in Groningen supports that mission through testing that protects clinical trial participants and delivers reliable study data.

As Laboratory Manager, you will combine your hands-on laboratory expertise and people management experience to lead daily operations, develop your team, and help build the laboratory’s capabilities. If you enjoy turning ideas into practical improvements and helping people succeed, this is an opportunity to make a visible contribution.

What You Will Do

• Lead daily clinical safety laboratory operations to deliver high-quality, compliant, and efficient services.
• Develop laboratory processes, systems, and workflows to support continued growth.
• Supervise and develop laboratory staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Oversee instrumentation, maintenance, and the introduction of new methods and services.
• Coordinate laboratory planning and consumables to meet study and business needs.
• Review study protocols and work with study teams, project management, and site leadership to ensure laboratory readiness and successful study execution.
• Resolve operational and technical issues, drive improvements, and support responsive client communication.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant, hands-on experience in a regulated laboratory, ideally in clinical safety testing, a CRO, or a pharmaceutical setting.
• Proven people management experience with direct responsibility for laboratory staff, including work allocation, coaching, staff development, and performance management.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems and familiarity with GCP, ISO 15189, and applicable Dutch regulations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a clear, collaborative communication style.
• A hands-on approach and an interest in developing people and improving laboratory operations.
• Business-level English and at least B1-level Dutch.
• Relevant experience includes hands-on work in a regulated laboratory plus direct staff management beyond an academic research setting. Experience helping establish a laboratory or improve existing operations is an advantage.