Scientific Operations Manager

Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford, a world‑class research institute, is developing commercially sustainable solutions to global challenges across Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change, and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. Our campus will host over 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories and educational spaces, bringing together diverse teams to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

We are hiring Scientific Operations Managers to oversee laboratory facilities in either the Materials and Devices for Life Science Institute or the Plant Biology Institute. You will lead the design, setup, and daily operations of high‑throughput labs, ensuring equipment, infrastructure, and processes meet our scientific, safety and quality standards. Responsibilities include procuring and maintaining equipment, managing supplies and inventory, troubleshooting facility issues, and serving as the primary operational contact, including out‑of‑hours support when needed.

Materials and Devices for Life Science Institute

Work focuses on 3D tissue construction, nanopore sensing/sequencing, device engineering, and applied sequencing. Candidates should bring technical expertise in one or more relevant areas such as protein/small‑molecule analysis, synthetic or living tissue from human cells, or device production in clinical environments.

Plant Biology Institute

Work focuses on improving global food production and sustainability through advanced plant science. Relevant experience includes molecular biology, plant cell culture, and plant growth.

Core Responsibilities

• Work with design and construction teams to build fit‑for‑purpose research facilities aligned with end‑user needs and MEP requirements. Liaise with suppliers to procure equipment, consumables, reagents and accessories.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow and quality standards.
• Manage laboratory staff: hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Implement and enforce safety procedures in line with GLP, ISO, HTA and other standards.
• Monitor critical lab conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality).
• Assess and support structural, mechanical or electrical modifications; optimise space and equipment for diverse research needs.
• Ensure equipment, consumables and reagents are maintained and available for research use.
• Oversee maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of instruments.
• Develop and implement SOPs to ensure consistent and compliant processes.
• Manage inventory with technicians, inventory managers and finance/procurement teams.
• Coordinate procurement to secure necessary materials and resources.
• Collaborate with scientific leadership to align facilities with research needs and objectives.
• Support internal and external audits and inspections, maintaining documentation of processes, workflows and sample handling per regulations.

Requirements

• Educated to a minimum of BSc (up to PhD) in a relevant scientific field.
• Experienced lab professional with significant laboratory experience, including exposure in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing a high‑throughput laboratory and overseeing both equipment and staff.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills in high‑tech or complex laboratory environments.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• In‑depth knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, quality management systems and regulatory frameworks (e.g., GLP, GxP, ISO).
• Proficiency with laboratory management software, inventory systems and data tracking tools.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail‑oriented, analytical and able to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with a flexible, solutions‑focused approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and compliant laboratory environment.
• Experience working within start‑ups, scale‑ups or rapidly evolving R&D environments.
• Previous responsibility for scaling laboratory facilities or implementing new systems (e.g., LIMS, QMS, EMS, BMS).
• Experience working with specialised technologies aligned to Materials & Devices or Plant Biology research.
• Additional certifications related to laboratory safety, compliance or quality systems.

Benefits

• Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + travel allowance + bonus.
• Enhanced holiday pay.
• Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Income Protection.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Hospital Cash Plan.
• Therapy Services.
• Perk Box.
• Electric Car Scheme.

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We build a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect and resilience, we encourage curiosity and a shared commitment to excellence.

Terms of Appointment

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time‑zones due to the global nature of the programme.
• This position will be fully office‑based, Monday‑Friday. Please ensure you are happy with this before applying.

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