Laboratory Operations Assistant
We usually respond within a week
Summary
Responsibility: Lab operations
Salary: Competitive London band at Research Assistant level
Starting date: As soon as possible
Location: White City, London, UK
About us
Valink Therapeutics is a spinout from the University of Oxford with a mission to revolutionise the field of bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) discovery. We have developed the most advanced drug discovery platform for complex modalities, capable of generating and screening over 1,000 drug candidates per week to uncover novel, first-in-class bsADCs that others cannot. Our approach generates a rich dataset capturing cytotoxicity, target expression, payload sensitivity, and related correlations, offering high potential for integration into predictive models that accelerate and enhance future drug discovery efforts.
Role Summary
The Laboratory Operations Assistant plays a critical role in supporting both Research & Development and operational laboratory activities, ensuring laboratories operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The role is responsible for managing laboratory resources, equipment, inventory, sample storage, and health and safety programs while driving continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory operations.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations Management
Coordinate and support day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure the efficient functioning of R&D and preclinical laboratory activities.
Oversee the availability of laboratory equipment, consumables, reagents, and supplies through effective inventory management, procurement, storage, and distribution processes.
Prepare laboratory media, aliquots, and reagents as required to support scientific activities.
Manage laboratory sample storage systems and ensure the appropriate handling, tracking, and preservation of biological materials and reagents.
Monitor laboratory cleanliness, organization, and sanitization standards to maintain a safe and productive working environment.
Equipment and Facilities Management
Coordinate equipment servicing, calibration, cleaning, maintenance, and repair activities to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
Maintain records of equipment maintenance schedules and service activities.
Support laboratory facility improvements and identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.
Health, Safety and Compliance
Promote and lead best laboratory practices, fostering a strong culture of health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Review, maintain, and update Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) and laboratory safety documentation.
Ensure COSHH assessments are completed, maintained, and regularly reviewed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with hazardous substances.
Communicate and reinforce health and safety policies, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), among employees, contractors, and visitors.
Actively participate in Health & Safety Committee meetings and support annual reviews of risk assessments, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety policies.
Inventory and Resource Management
Drive the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory inventory systems and databases.
Monitor stock levels and coordinate purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Manage storage, tracking, and accountability of laboratory materials, reagents, consumables, and biological samples.
Communication and Continuous Improvement
Organize and facilitate regular laboratory operations meetings to communicate updates, changes, and best practices while gathering feedback from laboratory users.
Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency, compliance, and user experience.
Collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, facilities personnel, and external service providers to ensure effective laboratory support.
Candidate profile
A-level/BSc candidate with experience supporting laboratory operations within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, research, or regulated laboratory environment.
Required:
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
Desirable:
Experience managing laboratory inventories, consumables, and equipment maintenance programs.
Knowledge of biological sample handling, storage, and shipping requirements.
What we offer:
Competitive salary
Stock option plan
25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
Bupa private medical insurance and life assurance
Matched pension contributions
Cyclescheme
Diversity and inclusion
Our science knows no boundaries. We welcome applicants from any background to apply, without discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and national origin.
How to apply
Apply through the relevant application form or email us with your CV and your interest in applying at https://careers.valinktx.com/.
Our approach to science relies on being open to infinite possibilities. We adopt the same principle when hiring.
We want to foster a diverse and supportive team, and we welcome applicants from any background to apply with confidence.
- Department
- Operations
- Locations
- Valink Therapeutics Ltd
About Valink Therapeutics
Valink is developing a series of novel therapeutics that are more effective at attacking tumours, while sparing healthy tissue.
If you believe you would be a great fit for our team but there is no currently advertised role please register your interest here.