Lab Manager
Posted 2 days 20 hours ago by Constructive Bio
Who we are:
Life, Reimagined
Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our unique technology turns living cells into biofactories , creating sustainable new materials and therapeutics. With full control of the genetic sequence and code, we are exploring chemical space previously unreached by natural biology.
Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here:
We recently secured $58 million Series A fundraising. Read more here:
What we're looking for:
We are seeking a highly motivated Lab Manager to j oin our team. The ideal candidate will have experience as the manager of a molecular biology laboratory, a solid understanding of a wide range of wet-lab techniques , a self-starting proactive attitude, and a strong desire to contribute to a positive team cultur e. The successful candidate will work closely with our operations and scientific team s to oversee and directly contribute to the day-to-day operations within our laboratories, ensuring our scientific processes and equipment run smoothly, and helping optimise the efficiency and reliability of our workflows.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily laboratory operations to maximise workflow efficiency and adherence to standard operating procedures.
- Work with the leadership and operations team s to develop laboratory budgets .
- Maint ain laboratory equipment and infrastructure , including leading the sourcing of new equipment, equipment repair , and management of instrument service contracts.
- Manage and provide technical guidance for a team of laboratory technicians for the preparation of reagent stocks, media, buffers and
glassware , as well as ensuring effective organisation of our biological samples .
- Manage externa l l y
contracted services (different forms of DNA sequencing, protein characterisation , etc) , evaluate vendor relationships and negotiate
contracts to optimise cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- C oordinate the l ogistics and shipping for inbound/outbound biologic al
samples from our laboratories.
- Ensure waste disposal processes for our different activities are effective and compliant with external and internal regulations.
- Collaborate with our a utomation s cientist and our broader scientific team to build and deploy
high-throughput biology workflows using automation.
- Collaborate with our scientific team to facilitate and promote the recording of experimental data in electronic lab notebooks and LIMS
Requirements:
- BSc/MSc
in relevant scientific discipline ( Biology/ Biochemistry / Bioengineering / Cell Biology etc.).
- Reasonable experience of work ing in a molec ular biology laboratory.
- Familiarity with a broad range of w et-lab m olecular b iology techniques and their technical requirements.
- Strong work ethic and k een interest in building a positive and collaborative team culture .
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively .
- Attention to detail, organisational skills, and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable skills:
- Familiarity with instrumentation and workflows for high -throughput biology.
- Familiarity with
health and safety standards and regulations relevant to molecular biology and GMO processes.
- Prior research experience working in an industry/start-up setting.
- Previous line management experience
What's in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?
We are a small but rapidly growing team, with a vision to become the programmable biomolecules company and push the boundaries of what's possible between biology and chemistry. As an early joiner, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape our trajectory and make real impact from day one.
We offer:
- Newly fitted dedicated site in Whittlesford near Cambridge - on-site parking and regular trains to Cambridge, London and Norwich
- Competitive salary
- Employee share option plan
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Private health insurance
- Pension plan (matching up to 8%)
- Collaborative and pioneering environment, at the leading edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation
We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence. We are built on three principles:
- We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.
- We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.
- We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.
Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.