Operations Manager
Maxion Therapeutics
About Maxion
Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.
The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.
Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO, and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter. Maxion’s portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge (UK) and is backed by international blue-chip investors.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Operations Manager to provide a combination of administrative support to the company, as well as hands-on assistance to the Laboratory Operations team, with a strong emphasis on laboratory health and safety. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing facility-related contracts, scaling up processes related to stock and asset management, designing and implementing Health & Safety policies and procedures, and supporting day-to-day laboratory operations.
This role is instrumental in supporting scientific staff, maintaining compliance, and ensuring the smooth operation of our research facilities. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee the management of laboratory and office facilities, including coordination of regular maintenance schedules, security, and supervision of contractor services.
- Administer and maintain accurate records for operational activities and regulatory compliance, including safety certifications and facility documentation.
- Support end-to-end procurement processes, manage inventory levels, asset management, and ensure effective allocation of laboratory supplies and resources.
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable Health & Safety regulations and industry standards.
- Organise and conduct regular laboratory inspections, safety audits, risk assessments, and incident reporting in line with Company procedures.
- Deliver or coordinate health and safety training for laboratory and support staff.
- Manage the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous biological and chemical materials in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
- Lead the development and implementation of scalable operational processes and contribute to robust business continuity and contingency planning.
- Provide hands-on support for routine laboratory operations when necessary, including stock replenishment, receiving deliveries, and preparation of basic lab supplies such as media and agar plates.
Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, or related field; advanced degree or certification in lab safety or operations is a plus.
- Experience in operations, preferably in a biotech, life sciences, or research lab environment.
- Strong knowledge of laboratory health and safety standards.
- Proven organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Experience with inventory systems, procurement, and facilities management is desirable.
- Proficiency in Microsoft tools (e.g., Excel and SharePoint Lists) is an advantage.
- Actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams.
- Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet goals and with a can-do attitude.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary based on experience
- A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, and more.
- Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
- Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
- A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.
To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations.
This is a fixed-term (6-months) full-time position.
Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.