Laboratory Transformation Manager

• Department: Lab
• Location: Cheadle
• Compensation: £48,000 - £50,000 / year

Description

At UK Biobank, we hold one of the world’s most valuable health research resources a database of unparalleled depth and integrity. As we prepare for our next chapter, we’re building a new purpose-designed facility at Manchester Science Park a world-class space to support the storage of over 11-million samples and the preparation and distribution of 1-million samples per year to researchers across the globe.

This is your opportunity to play a key role in a landmark transformation project, contributing to the successful transition of UK Biobank into a new, state-of-the-art environment. You’ll be part of establishing a brand-new laboratory facility, shaping its design, setup, and operational readiness from the ground up. This role offers a rare chance to take ownership and influence the project’s direction, guiding key decisions, ensuring successful delivery, and gaining hands-on experience in laboratory relocation developing expertise in planning and executing complex scientific moves.


Can you do it?

Reporting to the Laboratory Research and Development Specialist, you’ll coordinate and deliver a complex programme of work that ensures our new facility is ready to operate at full capacity. From commissioning and validating new equipment, to supporting the safe relocation of millions of valuable biological samples, you’ll be at the centre of one of the most significant laboratory transformations in the UK.

You’ll work closely with suppliers, laboratory teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure every piece of equipment, process, and document meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance including ISO9001, ISO20387, and the Human Tissue Act.

This is a chance to combine project management expertise with scientific and technical insight — helping build the foundations for the next decade of biomedical discovery.

You will be responsible for:

• Overseeing equipment transition and implementation, including assessing existing equipment for relocation, scoping and procuring new equipment, developing and executing commissioning plans (with manufacturer Site Acceptance Tests where applicable), leading equipment validation, and delivering operator training.
• Managing equipment procurement within budgetary constraints, liaising with suppliers throughout the process to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery.
• Ensuring equipment compliance and integration, maintaining adherence to relevant quality, legal, and safety standards, collaborating with the team to integrate equipment with LIMS and support workflows, and leading the development of SOPs and risk assessments.
• Supporting laboratory and environmental monitoring, contributing to the implementation of site-wide environmental monitoring systems and coordinating the production of documentation required to open the new laboratory safely.
• Maintaining awareness of the full scope of transformation activities, to provide effective support across all areas, including equipment commissioning, sample relocation, and laboratory setup.
  
  

Is this 'you'?

To be successful, you will have:

• Proven experience in managing and mentoring team members to achieve operational objectives.
• Demonstrated experience working within a highly automated laboratory environment.
• Extensive experience in validating a wide range of laboratory equipment to ensure compliance and performance.
• Hands-on experience integrating laboratory equipment with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enhance workflow efficiency.
  
  

This role is a full-time fixed-term 18-month contract (35 hours per week, with some flexibility), onsite five days a week at our UK Biobank’s facilities in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Greenheys in 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.
• 🏋️ Free On-Site Gym - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• 🍽️ 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.