Ops Manager / Sr. Ops Manager

About Meridial

Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the Central Nervous System.

Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem and funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

About the role

Meridial is seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to join as one of the first hires. This is a hands-on role spanning laboratory operations, compliance coordination, and administrative support. Early on, the role will be weighted toward day-to-day execution. Over time, it will expand to include recruiting/mentoring operations support, management of workflows, and increasing responsibility. A large part of the role will be interfacing with our parent organisation Convergent Research, which will provide operational support. Success requires a flexible and startup-friendly mindset, strong operational judgment, the ability to anticipate needs, unblock work, and keep operations moving in a fast-paced environment.

Essential functions

Laboratory operations :
• Coordinate equipment installs, moves, repairs, and preventative maintenance; serve as primary point of contact for vendors and service calls.
• Run consumables purchasing and inventory (ordering, receiving, organisation, stocking).
• Support lab readiness: space organisation, shared equipment stewardship, room readiness, and coverage planning.
• Design and maintain accurate operational records (service logs, inventories, vendor contacts, SOP folders).
• Onboard new lab members in regulatory and safety practices; ensure group members receive and maintain required training for laboratory operations; assist with exit procedures.

Regulated workflows, safety and compliance:
• Support coordination of regulated animal-research workflows (communications with animal facilities teams, maintaining official training records, colony/breeding/genotyping tracking, and related administrative documentation), in partnership with leadership and the relevant oversight bodies.
• Coordinate risk assessments, safety documentation, and required training records; help keep the lab audit-ready.
• Coordinate hazardous waste workflows, gas cylinder ordering.
• Schedule and track routine lab inspections; follow up on corrective actions.
• Interface with building/facilities teams and external stakeholders as needed to support safe and sustainable operations.

Administrative and executive support:
• Manage laboratory calendars, internal and external (partners, vendors) meeting logistics, agendas, and follow-ups and action-item tracking for leadership.
• Draft and manage routine communications (emails, memos) and maintain organised internal documentation.
• Assist with recruitment processes.
• Support grant operations and coordination with parent organisation: assist with reporting, budgeting, audit readiness, and document version control (in collaboration with leadership).
• Identify operational gaps and propose improvements; implement changes with leadership approval.
• Alert parent organisation to operational changes that may impact insurance needs.
• In time, recruit and supervise operational support staff.

Required Qualifications:
• 5+ years in life science laboratory operations, research administration, executive administrative support, or a combined role in a life-science environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities with high attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience coordinating vendors, purchasing, and basic lab logistics.
• Strong written and verbal communication; can produce clear notes, status summaries, and action tracking.
• High discretion and comfort handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Proficiency with common productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, calendars, spreadsheets, shared drives).

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in research lab operations and leadership support in a startup environment.
• Ability to operate independently with ownership of workstreams/packages.
• Familiarity with regulated research settings and compliance coordination (animal licensing, training records, risk assessments, audits). Ideally a former or current PIL holder.
• Experience supporting grant-funded programs (budget tracking inputs, reporting support, documentation).
• Comfort with building “just enough process” in early-stage environments (onboarding, SOPs, trackers).
• Comfort with AI productivity tools
• Prior experience in neuroscience, imaging, or preclinical research environments
• MSc or higher in the life sciences.

Physical Demands:
• Fine motor skills for operating computers and office/lab equipment.
• Ability to move light-to-moderately heavy items (typical lab supplies/equipment); may include occasional lifting/carrying with appropriate equipment (e.g., carts/dollies).

Position Type / Schedule:
• Full-time, 40 hours/week.
• Lab location based in London or Cambridge - ability to travel to both preferred.
• Work arrangement: Hybrid with expected regular onsite presence due to laboratory responsibilities.

Additional Information:
• Application materials: CV/resume + cover letter + 2 references.
• For exceptional candidates, we will consider sponsoring visas and supporting relocation.
• Compensation: competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous Benefits will be communicated in interviews.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or company policy. We strive for a diverse, healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.