We have the pleasure of working with a fantastic Laboratory provider based in London. They are specialists in Virology, Immunology and Molecular Biology. They offer a comprehensive range of services, tailored to support drug/antiviral and vaccine research and development. With state-of-the-art facilities, they deliver high quality sample analysis and data outputs to their clients. Their research biobank accelerates healthcare innovation through collaborative access to high quality clinical samples. They take an encouraging attitude towards management, autonomy, work/life balance, inclusivity and have a great culture. They are very team orientated, projects are collaborative, and it really is a very positive place to work
The Head of Lab is responsible for the direction and leadership of operational, financial and personnel activities for the Company. This includes establishing, meeting and continuously monitoring the goals and objectives while maintaining alignment with the strategic goals of the group.
The Head of Lab, will be involved in the development of laboratory capabilities and services, oversight of facilities, sample storage, planning and managing Viral Challenge and stand-alone laboratory projects, liaising with internal and external clients, and ensuring that the staff and facility operate to the required regulatory standards.
This is a Commercial Laboratory, so the role works closely with a variety of stakeholders, Senior Operational Leads, Business Development and Marketing, Finance, Group Senior Management.
Develop and manage the strategic growth plan for the Company, laboratory facilities and services, including the provision of new service offerings;
Actively seeks opportunities to improve financial outcomes, engaging with Business development plan and participates in appropriate events,
Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, budget planning, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for lab services, and coordinating financial reporting;
Direct the provision of staff training, development and competency attainment; to meet the business needs and to provide succession planning;
Consult with clinical site operations, medical, business, and client groups to discuss service problems and to respond to stakeholder needs;
Ensure regulatory requirements are met by division and all necessary licenses and certifications are secured and maintained;
Responsible for the oversight of sample integrity including onsite temperature monitoring, provision of onsite and offsite storage, record keeping and regulatory compliance;
Support corporate risk management and oversee risk management and mitigation strategy for the Company’s laboratories;
Responsible for the oversight of health and safety within the laboratory facilities, including; prevention of cross contamination and work acquired infections, COSHH, laboratory risk assessment and provision of PPE;
Maintain awareness of advances in virology, relevant analytical techniques, computerised systems, data and sample processing technology and regulatory guidelines and legislation;
Provide Business Development support in the securing of Clinical and Lab projects;
Assist in the financial management of the company by helping to establish budgets and to balance resource needs;
As part of the Company’s management team provide cross functional leadership to help achieve the corporate goals and objects and meet our client’s needs;
Ensure appropriate review of all study protocols, data and final reports for both Clinical and Lab studies;
Identify key strategic risks and mitigate those risks through process implementing/redesigning (if applicable) in a timely way;
Provide lab management and leadership development and succession planning;
Ensure that work is conducted to appropriate and satisfactory quality, ethical and legal standards including compliance with Human Tissue Act, Good Clinical Practice for Laboratories and Good Clinical Practice, all relevant SOP’s and company policy and standards;
Provide assistance to project management staff as required in the managing and delivering the expectations of Sponsors;
Line Management
Monitor staff workload and work with Project Managers to prevent and/or overcome conflicting study priorities;
Set up training plans for staff and ensure that competency sign off is secured prior to staff initiating specific work;
Establish competency requirements, development plans and performance objectives for staff;
Ensure staff perform their duties in accordance with their job description to performance standards and with respect to compliance to guidelines and regulations;
Conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports;
Ensure training record and CV are updated as per SOPs;
As department grows, train and develop staff to assist in resource management and line management tasks.