Lab Operations Assistant - Solena Materials : Job Details

Lab Operations AssistantLocation: Translation and Innovation Hub, 84 Wood Ln, London W12 7SLSalary: £32,000 - £37,000 per annum (depending on experience)Hours: 37.5 hours per weekAbout Solena Materials Limited:We’re a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and software developers from diverse backgrounds, united by a passion for creating advanced materials for our customers. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Lab Operations Assistant to join our growing team. The successful candidate will report to our Head of Operations and will work closely with other team members to ensure smooth operational processes and workflows in both our office and lab environments.Roles responsibilities:

• Perform general administrative tasks
• Schedule, track, and monitor all incoming and outgoing shipments
• Check, organise and maintain equipment and stock levels regularly
• Sterilize, calibrate, and set up lab equipment as needed
• Support the Head of Operations with the purchasing process when required
• Register equipment servicing and other information in the LIMS system
• Prepare buffers and microbial growth media
• Autoclave lab glassware, growth media, waste, and other materials
• Prepare and update cleaning logs for Solena premises
• Adhere to strict Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) procedures, including monitoring PPE compliance
• Update employees' training records promptly
• Prepare an annual lab consumables list for pricing
• Report any operational issues to the Head of Operations
• Assist with additional tasks as needed to support lab and office operations, maintaining a productive work environment

Role requirements:

• BSc in a science field with relevant administrative work experience
• Previous experience in laboratory and office environments
• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong teamwork ability with excellent attention to detail
• Outstanding organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to multitask effectively
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive and SharePoint
• Ability to learn specific practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems
• Proactive approach to health and safety
• Ability to maintain and calibrate technical equipment
• Capable of working effectively in a high-pressure environment
• Nice to have: Experience with using a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Full time position
• Flexible working hours
• Generous pension contribution and benefits
• Regular team events
• Exciting and dynamic start-up environment in well-connected White City, London
• A commitment to equality and valuing diversity

Solena is protein materials design company, creating bespoke solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. We use world-leading computational design, machine learning, and automation to accelerate the development of materials targeted at multiple sectors, from fashion apparel to medical textiles. Our new protein-based fibres will replace petrochemically-derived materials, to create a new world of biodegradable, functional and sustainable smart materials for consumers, industry, and the planet. REF-218357