Job Description

Are you a highly organised and proactive administrator with a passion for supporting cutting-edge scientific research? Do you thrive in creating efficient systems and processes that enable world-class research teams to excel? If you're looking to play a vital role in advancing RNA therapeutics whilst developing your career in biotech operations, we want to hear from you!

Job title:

Lab manager/Site Operations Coordinator

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

About Eleven Tx

Eleven Therapeutics is revolutionising the field of nucleic acid therapeutics by integrating cutting-edge RNA biology, combinatorial chemistry, and artificial intelligence to generate/produce a programmable drug discovery and development platform. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising world-class scientists and entrepreneurs with a track record of breakthrough innovations, operates at the intersection of bioengineering, chemistry, genomics, and computational science. With a pipeline targeting cardiometabolic, endocrine disorders and rare genetic disorders with significant unmet medical needs, Eleven Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics. We are a global company with presence in Cambridge (UK), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Boston (US), fostering a culture of collaboration, diversity, and scientific excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Administrator to join our Cambridge R&D hub and become an integral part of our operational excellence. In this multifaceted role, you will be the backbone of our site operations, ensuring smooth running of both laboratory and office functions whilst supporting our world-class research team. You will work closely with scientists, management, and external partners to maintain the infrastructure and systems that enable breakthrough discoveries in RNA therapeutics. The ideal candidate brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced biotech environment. If you are passionate about creating efficient operational systems and want to contribute to transformative medical research, this role offers an exciting opportunity to grow your career whilst making a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory and Office Management:

Coordinate ordering and inventory management for laboratory consumables, reagents, and office supplies. Arrange travel for team members across our global sites. Develop and maintain laboratory and office workflows, ensuring compliance with SOPs and best practices.

IT Administration:

Manage company IT assets including computers, software licences, and access controls. Oversee cybersecurity protocols, server backups, and data protection measures. Serve as the first point of contact for IT issues and coordinate with external IT support providers.

Database and Knowledge Management:

Maintain and optimise our scientific databases and knowledge management systems. Ensure proper documentation and archiving of research data, protocols, and intellectual property. Support data organisation and retrieval for regulatory submissions and collaborations.

Documentation and Compliance:

Write and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, and operational policies. Support regulatory documentation and audit preparation. Maintain filing systems for compliance with UK MHRA and international standards. Coordinate with external regulatory consultants as needed.

HR Support:

Coordinate onboarding processes for new team members, including induction programmes and access provisioning. Maintain employee records and training documentation. Support recruitment activities and coordinate interview scheduling. Assist with employee engagement initiatives and team events.

Health and Safety Coordination:

Maintain COSHH assessments and safety training records. Coordinate biological and chemical waste management procedures. Support accident reporting and investigation processes. Liaise with the health and safety officer to ensure compliance with HSE regulations.

Financial Administration:

Process purchase orders and manage invoice approvals. Work closely with our accountants to ensure accurate matching of invoices to purchase orders and proper allocation to project codes. Track departmental budgets and spending against approved allocations. Coordinate expense reporting and reimbursements for team members. Support inter-site cost allocations between Cambridge, Boston, and Israel offices, ensuring accurate project-based accounting across our global operations.

Facilities Coordination:

Manage relationships with building services and external vendors. Coordinate laboratory equipment servicing, calibration, and maintenance schedules. Oversee access control systems and visitor management. Support space planning and office moves as the team grows.

What We're Looking For

Proven experience in administrative roles, preferably within scientific, academic, or biotech environments.

Strong IT literacy with experience in managing IT systems, databases, and cybersecurity protocols.

Excellent organisational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Experience with procurement processes, vendor management, and budget tracking.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in writing SOPs, policies, and technical documentation.

Knowledge of health and safety regulations, particularly in laboratory settings.

Experience with HR processes including onboarding, training records, and recruitment support.

Proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively with diverse teams across multiple time zones.

Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Good to have

Previous experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industries.

Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and quality management systems.

Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Knowledge of UK regulatory requirements for biotech research and development.

Project management experience or certification.

Experience with financial software and ERP systems.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Life Sciences, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Minimum 3 years of administrative experience, preferably in a scientific or research environment.

Demonstrated track record of improving operational processes and implementing efficient systems.

Professional certifications in project management, IT administration, or health and safety are advantageous.