Scientific Services Manager

Job Title: Scientific Services Manager
Location: Oxford, UK
Department: Synergy (On-site at Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford Ltd)
Contract Type: Permanent

Synergy provides a variety of on-site Scientific Services for Pharmaceutical customers and works collaboratively to deliver core scientific activities.

This will be a pivotal role, having responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the invitro laboratories at the site based in Oxford, upholding and encouraging excellent standards of H&S, quality & operational excellence as well as championing Continuous Improvement. In addition, the Manager will have line management responsibility for a mid-sized team of research and lab assistants conducting a range of scientific activities and invitro experimentation.

Why Join Us?

At Synergy, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality scientific services in partnership with world-leading pharmaceutical organisations. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a cutting-edge research environment while developing your leadership career in science.

The primary focus of this role is to provide in-lab technical support, enabling research activities by ensuring NN laboratories are prepared for use and ready for experimentation. This position is a split role with approximately 50% of time spent on lab-based activities indirectly supporting scientific projects and 50% of time managing a team of lab/research assistants and research associates who are carrying out hands on experimentation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of research and lab assistants, providing mentorship, performance management, and development support.
Oversee daily lab operations, ensuring readiness for experimentation and adherence to health & safety, quality, and compliance standards.
Ensure labs are ready for day-to-day experimentation, implementing best practices and mesasuring performance through KPIs.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices across laboratory operations.
Manage lab consumables, equipment, and documentation, ensuring efficient stock control and compliance with SOPs and risk assessments.
Support scientific teams with logistics, including sample shipping, inventory management, and goods receipt.What We're Looking For

Essential:

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline.
Significant laboratory experience, including lab management and documentation.
Proven experience managing small to mid-sized teams.
Strong understanding of COSHH regulations and health & safety practices.
Proficiency in LIMS or similar platforms and Microsoft Office tools.
Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Experience with lean methodologies, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.Desirable:

Safety qualification and/or CI/OE accreditation.
Background in customer-focused scientific service delivery.Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy