R&D Lab Manager

Job description

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.) Job Description Join Us as an R&D Lab Manager – Driving Efficient and Harmonized Lab Operations As an R&D Lab Manager, you will be the operational owner for our R&D laboratories across the Oslo and Lillestrøm sites, ensuring they are functional, efficient, safe, and ready to support our scientists and key NPI projects. This is a hands-on individual contributor role with no direct reports or people management responsibility. You will work across laboratory operations, equipment, infrastructure, chemicals, storage, systems, and routines, driving structure, consistency, and continuous improvement across both sites. You will provide functional leadership for laboratory operations by coordinating activities, aligning ways of working, and driving issues through to resolution in close collaboration with scientists and other stakeholder. A key part of the role is to strengthen how we work across sites. You will collaborate closely with scientists and other stakeholders to align processes and procedures, share best practices, and identify opportunities to simplify and improve the way we work. The goal is to create a laboratory environment that is efficient, well-coordinated, and consistently fit for purpose. You will also help ensure that our laboratory equipment and supporting systems remain reliable and ready for use, with the appropriate maintenance, calibration, service, qualification, and documentation in place. Together with the wider team, you will contribute to strong EHS practices and well-functioning laboratory systems. Through this role, you will help create the conditions for the whole team to succeed — with well-run laboratories, clear ways of working, and the right equipment and infrastructure in place to support high-quality R&D and NPI execution. Key Responsibilities Take overall responsibility for the operational readiness of R&D laboratories and associated storage areas across the Oslo and Lillestrøm sites. Drive harmonization, standardization, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes, routines, SOPs, and ways of working. Maintain oversight of laboratory equipment and instruments, including maintenance, calibration, service, qualification, and relevant documentation. Manage laboratory infrastructure and supplies, including chemicals, consumables, equipment, storage, and procurement. Maintain laboratory systems and documentation, including Labguru ELN, and support consistent use across sites. Support laboratory EHS activities, including safe working practices, chemical management, waste handling, risk assessments, and follow-up of actions. Work closely with scientists and project teams to anticipate laboratory needs and ensure appropriate equipment, materials, infrastructure, and procedures are available. Coordinate and follow up laboratory activities and operational issues, and provide hands-on support when needed. Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, biotechnology, life sciences, laboratory technology, engineering, or a related discipline. Relevant hands-on experience from an R&D laboratory, manufacturing, or similar technical environment, including laboratory operations, equipment, chemicals, inventory, and general laboratory infrastructure. Experience developing or maintaining SOPs, laboratory procedures, or standardized ways of working. Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, qualification, and/or service coordination is an advantage, preferably within an ISO 13485 or similar quality-controlled environment. Experience with ELN/LIMS or similar digital laboratory systems is an advantage. Good understanding of laboratory EHS requirements. Strong written and spoken English skills. Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is an advantage. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and directly related experience may also be considered. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strong ownership and accountability with a proactive, hands-on approach. Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities across sites. Strong practical problem-solving skills and ability to drive activities through to completion. Continuous-improvement mindset with the ability to simplify and standardize ways of working. Strong communication and collaboration skills across scientific and operational teams. Service-minded and able to anticipate laboratory and project needs. Apply now! Work Environment This role is primarily laboratory-based and will require regular presence at both the Oslo and Lillestrøm sites. The position involves hands-on laboratory activities and may include standing for extended periods, lifting and moving laboratory supplies or equipment, and working safely with chemicals, biological materials, compressed gases, cryogenic materials, and other laboratory hazards in accordance with applicable procedures and EHS requirements.