Scientific Manager – High Throughput Laboratory

Quotient is seeking an experienced Scientific Manager to lead the day-to-day execution and delivery of our High Throughput Laboratory. Reporting to the Head of High Throughput Laboratory, this role is responsible for coordinating laboratory activities across Histology, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Biology and Sample Management, ensuring samples move efficiently through laboratory workflows and disease programmes are delivered safely, on time and to the highest scientific standards. Working closely with Research Project Management, Scientific Leadership, Genomic Scientists, the High Throughput Laboratory and Assay Development teams, you will translate project priorities into effective laboratory execution, balancing competing demands across multiple programmes while maintaining visibility of sample progression, laboratory capacity and resource utilisation.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day laboratory execution across multiple disease programmes, ensuring samples progress efficiently through Histology, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Biology and Scientific Sample Management workflows; Translate project priorities into detailed laboratory work plans and schedules ensuring resources, equipment and personnel are effectively allocated to deliver programme milestones; Partner closely with Disease Project teams, the Head of High Throughput Laboratory, scientific manager peers and Research Project Management to prioritise work, manage competing demands and resolve operational bottlenecks; Monitor laboratory throughput, turnaround times, sample progression and resource utilisation, proactively identifying risks to delivery and implementing corrective actions; Maintain clear visibility of sample status throughout the laboratory workflow, ensuring timely communication of progress, risks and delays to project teams; Line manage and develop direct reports through coaching, regular feedback and performance management; Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the laboratory team; Support recruitment, onboarding, training and competency assessment of laboratory staff; Ensure appropriate laboratory cover and resource planning to support changing portfolio demands; Remain scientifically hands-on where required, supporting laboratory activities and troubleshooting technical issues to maintain programme delivery; Provide technical oversight across Histology, Flow Cytometry and Molecular Biology workflows, ensuring high standards of scientific quality and reproducibility; Support implementation and operational adoption of new laboratory processes, technologies and workflow improvements in partnership with Assay Development and Automation; Work closely with scientific leaders to understand future project requirements and ensure laboratory readiness to support programme delivery; Ensure laboratory activities comply with HTA requirements, COSHH regulations, quality systems and internal laboratory procedures; Maintain accurate sample tracking and laboratory records using ELN/LIMS systems, ensuring traceability throughout the sample lifecycle; Monitor laboratory KPIs, including throughput, turnaround time, quality and resource utilisation, using data to drive continuous improvement; Build strong working relationships across Research, Project Management, Discovery Partnerships and supporting operational functions

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with significant relevant industry experience (typically 6+ years); MSc or PhD considered in combination with appropriate hands-on laboratory leadership experience; Experience working within high-throughput laboratory environments and/or rapidly scaling biotechnology organisations, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high standards of scientific quality and operational delivery; Demonstrated experience coordinating laboratory workflows across multiple concurrent scientific projects; Experience line managing or mentoring laboratory users; Hands-on expertise in a range of skills across Histology, Flow Cytometry and/or Molecular Biology; Familiarity with ELN and/or LIMS systems for laboratory documentation and sample tracking; Broad understanding of tissue and cell biology, genomics and molecular biology workflows; Demonstrated ability to coordinate competing priorities whilst maintaining scientific quality and delivery timelines; Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills; Excellent attention to detail and commitment to scientific quality, safety and compliance

Nice to have

Experience supporting HTA-licensed activities and Human Tissue Act compliance; Experience with spatial transcriptomics or other advanced genomics technologies; Experience working collaboratively with laboratory automation teams to implement workflow improvements; Experience supporting implementation of new laboratory technologies or workflow improvements; Knowledge of Lean, Operational Excellence or continuous improvement methodologies