Lab Equipment Manager

Lab Equipment Manager

Introduction to role

The Lab Equipment Manager will oversee all aspects of the scientific equipment lifecycle. They are responsible for the daily oversight of the Lab Instrumentation Services (LIS) program ensuring that AstraZeneca's scientific equipment is maintained properly, downtime is minimized, and that the program stays within budget. The successful candidate will hold the incumbent supplier to the agreed upon service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs). They will be responsible for escalating any service-related issues to Lab Operations senior staff and will act as the primary point of contact for lab scientists.

The Manager will help solve current problems and build solutions for the future to support the R&D pipeline, give time back to scientists, reduce cost, and build quality. They will also be required to contribute to strategic LabOps initiatives, investigate complex issues, and liaise with service providers and cross-functional stakeholders where appropriate to ensure Lab Operations is positioned to provide the highest level of support to its customers.

Accountabilities

LIS Oversight

• Oversee all activities related to scientific equipment life cycle management

• Responsible for day-to-day oversight of the lab instrumentation services (LIS) contract

• Partner with LIS integrator to continuously improve the delivery of agreed upon SLAs

• Work with LIS provider to ensure that all AZ laboratory equipment has the proper entitlements assigned

• Work with AZ scientists to ensure that all laboratory equipment has the proper criticalities assigned

• Lead all aspects of activities to ensure the accuracy and completeness of relevant equipment and lab contact databases

• Review all time and materials (T&M) and program spend and approve as appropriate

• Track operational budget and flag potential risks to Lab Operations senior staff

• Attend regular operational meetings to monitor repair status and preventative maintenance scheduling

• Drive strategies to improve operational efficiencies to minimize instrument downtime

• Provide insights to advise appropriate staffing levels and accurate organizational structure

• Mitigate unnecessary billable expenses via a variety of internal tools and strategies

• Provide support to third party staff as needed

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the Lab Operations subject matter expert (SME) for all lab equipment inquiries, both internal and external

• Liaise with R&D teams to answer service-related questions as needed

• Act as the single point of contact for LIS program related service escalations

• Partner with R&D lab leads to conduct periodic reviews of equipment utilization and criticality

• Build strategies to improve teamwork between R&D leads and the LIS program to improve overall service quality

Essential Skills/Experience

• HS or GED at a minimum

• Experience with Microsoft Office

• 3-5 years of relevant (lab and/or operations) experience

• Able to recognize problems & generate potential solutions

• Knows when to escalate issues

• Strong critical and analytical problem solver

• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Highly organized, efficient, and self-motivated

• Proven ability to work as part of a team

• Ability to work optimally in a fast-paced environment

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, chemistry, biology

• Thorough understanding of laboratory equipment and related services

• Strategy setting & execution skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. 

At AstraZeneca, we play an essential role in helping patients who need it the most. Our high exposure roles allow us to shape end deliverables and embrace global opportunities, working across all of AstraZeneca's Therapy Areas. With a restless need to keep improving, we are always moving forward and searching for something new. Our supportive yet challenging approach makes for an inspiring learning environment. Every setback is seen as a chance to improve, every critique pushes us towards the next ground-breaking solution.

Join us in making a profound impact with research that makes a clear and tangible difference. Apply today!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.