Life Sciences Operations and Technical Manager

Overview

In this role you will manage the ONE BioHub’s operations and technical services to ensure a safe, compliant, and productive research environment. You will oversee labs, office space, shared equipment, and building infrastructure, while managing leases and occupancy to enable founders and tenants to progress their science. You will lead safety, biosafety, fire, and environmental compliance, and coordinate with contractors and funding teams. This is a hands-on, impact-driven position at a flagship facility that supports Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the BioHub’s laboratories, office space, shared equipment and building infrastructure
• Administer tenant leases, rent reviews and lease compliance with ONE Finance & Commercial
• Track and grow occupancy and space utilisation; develop commercial offerings like shared equipment access and technical services
• Lead health & safety, biosafety, fire and environmental compliance, including risk assessments, SOPs, live risk register, audits and incident investigation
• Maintain accreditations and documentation needed to operate as a compliant life sciences facility
• Manage facilities management contract and specialist contractors, ensuring KPIs and value for money
• Assess prospective tenants for technical suitability, onboard them, and provide training and competency assessments on shared labs/equipment
• Be main contact for tenants and founders on technical, laboratory, facilities and lease matters
• Oversee fit-out contractors, including BioHub Phase 2 fit out, with minimal disruption to tenants
• Provide technical input to funding bids, business cases and reports
• Hands-on tasks including routine environmental monitoring and cleaning; occasional front-of-house coverage

Key requirements

• Qualification in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Facilities Management or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH) or willingness to obtain
• Experience managing facilities, laboratories or technical operations in life sciences, research or industrial settings
• Experience managing an FM contract or specialist technical contractors and suppliers
• Strong knowledge of laboratory health & safety, biosafety, regulatory compliance, risk management and fire safety
• Experience conducting risk assessments and audits and managing non-conformances
• Experience administering commercial leases or tenancy agreements in shared/workspace settings
• Strong problem-solving, organizational and administrative skills
• Flexibility including occasional out-of-hours availability for facilities issues

• customer-focused
• clear communication
• problem-solving
• Facilities management
• Health & safety oversight
• Biosafety/regulatory compliance

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