Job Description

NIRBA is seeking a highly motivated, organised, and safety-oriented Senior Lab Operations Executive to support the day-to-day operations of NIRBA's laboratory facilities.

The position will have three key areas of responsibility:

• Support the NIRBA Cell Processing Shared Resources: Coordinate and support the operation, maintenance, and effective utilisation of major laboratory equipment and shared research resources.
• Supervisory Role and Backup Support: Provide operational guidance and coordination to other Operations team member and ensure continuity of laboratory operations by providing backup coverage during staff absences or periods of increased workload.
• Laboratory Safety and Compliance: Support the implementation and monitoring of laboratory safety policies, risk management measures, and institutional compliance requirements across NIRBA's research groups and laboratory facilities.

The candidate will work closely with NIRBA administrative team, CSI Safety and Operations team, researchers, facilities teams, and external vendors to ensure that laboratory operations are efficient, well-maintained, and conducted in a safe and compliant manner.

Responsibillities

1.    Cell Processing Shared Resources 

• Support the day-to-day operations of the Cell Processing Shared Resources facility at S9.
• Coordinate and support the use of major laboratory equipment for NIRBA researchers.
• Manage or support equipment booking, user access, scheduling, and facility coordination.
• Ensure equipment and laboratory areas are maintained in a clean, safe, and operational condition.
• Coordinate routine equipment servicing, preventive maintenance, calibration, and repairs.
• Maintain equipment inventories, usage records, maintenance records, and relevant documentation.
• Provide training for new users, including familiarisation with relevant major equipment, SOPs, and safety requirements.
• Assist with the development, review, and implementation of SOPs and operational procedures for major equipment
• Liaise with equipment vendors teams to resolve equipment and operational issues.
• Monitor equipment utilisation and identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the shared facility.

2.    Central Laboratory Operations

• Supervise and support the day-to-day operations of the central laboratory facilities at the NIRBA Hub to ensure smooth, efficient, and uninterrupted laboratory activities.
• Provide guidance, coordination, and backup support to other Operations team members in managing laboratory facilities, equipment, shared resources, and operational requirements.
• Ensure continuity of laboratory operations by providing operational coverage during staff absences, peak workload periods, and unforeseen manpower shortages.
• Coordinate and monitor routine laboratory maintenance, servicing, troubleshooting, and repair works to ensure laboratory equipment and facilities remain operational.
• Liaise with laboratory users, researchers, vendors, contractors, and relevant institutional departments to address operational issues and facilitate timely resolution.
• Support the management of shared laboratory resources, consumables, equipment, and facilities to ensure their availability and effective utilisation.
• Identify operational gaps, streamline workflows, and recommend improvements to enhance laboratory efficiency, service delivery, and user experience.
• Assist in coordinating laboratory setup, relocation, refurbishment, and other operational activities to support evolving research needs.

3.    Safety & Compliance

• Serve as Safety Support for NIRBA, liaising with institutional safety teams to ensure compliance with relevant safety policies, regulations, and requirements.
• Coordinate laboratory safety inspections, audits, and compliance checks, including monitoring and following up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Support laboratory incident reporting, investigations, emergency response coordination, and implementation of preventive measures.
• Coordinate safety induction, refresher training, and compliance with laboratory access and training requirements.
• Undertake designated emergency response roles, including spill responder, fire warden, and first aider, subject to relevant training and certification.

4.    Any Other Duties

• Ad-hoc job duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Laboratory Science, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years  experience in laboratory operations, research laboratories, shared facilities, laboratory safety, or a related environment.
• Experience in a cell processing, cell culture, biomedical research, or life sciences laboratory would be preferred.
• Experience handling Analytical and Mass Spectrometry Equipment including LC-MS and Maldi-TOF would be an advantage
• Experience supporting laboratory equipment, maintenance, servicing, or shared research facilities.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, risk assessments, SOPs, incident reporting, chemical/biological safety, and laboratory waste management.
• Knowledge of institutional laboratory safety and compliance requirements is desirable.

Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong laboratory operations and organisational skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and good documentation skills
• Keen interest in learning, operating, and supporting state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and technologies.
• Ability to work effectively with researchers, technical staff, safety officers, and vendors
• Proactive and service-oriented approach
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team
• Flexibility to provide operational and safety support across different NIRBA laboratory facilities
• Strong safety awareness and a proactive approach to risk management