Laboratory Operations Specialist

Role Overview

We are looking for a proactive and flexible Laboratory Operations & Facilities Specialist to join our expanding team. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the establishment and operational readiness of newly developed laboratory facilities. You will work closely with the Facilities, Operations & EHS Manager to ensure that laboratory environments are compliant, fully functional, and primed for future accreditation.

Key Duties

• Manage day-to-day readiness of lab facilities ensuring equipment, utilities, and workspaces are compliant and operational.
• Oversee laboratory maintenance planning, calibration schedules, and coordinate with contractors.
• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory documentation like SOPs, operational procedures, and maintenance records.
• Support quality management processes including document control, change control, risk assessments, deviations, and CAPA.
• Assist with equipment qualification, validation, and commissioning as labs become operational.
• Support environmental monitoring programs and manage lab utilities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Facilities, and EHS teams to keep labs inspection-ready and aligned with internal quality standards.
• Help in planning for new lab developments and facility expansions.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and service vendors to ensure timely completion of maintenance and project work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts enhancing lab operations, documentation, and facility effectiveness.
• Provide flexible support across multiple lab projects as priorities evolve.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related technical field.
• Between 3 and 5 years of experience in a regulated lab, medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment.
• Proven background supporting laboratory operations, facilities, or engineering tasks.
• Strong skills in producing and maintaining controlled documentation.
• Knowledgeable about regulated quality systems such as GMP, GLP, and/or ISO 13485.
• Experience with equipment qualification, validation, or commissioning is beneficial.
• Familiar with lab maintenance, calibration, and facilities management concepts.
• Excellent organizational abilities managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience aiding lab start-up or operational readiness plans.
• Exposure to laboratory facilities management or engineering projects.
• Background working in R&D environments.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring systems such as Vaisala.
• Experience coordinating contractors or suppliers.
• Understanding of EHS processes within regulated settings.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive self-starter with a positive approach.
• Comfortable handling multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills.
• Adaptable and keen to develop new skills.
• Motivated to take ownership and contribute to the growth of the Galway lab facility.

Working Pattern

• Four days onsite and one day remote weekly.
• Initial focus on supporting Laboratories 1 & 2 in meeting operational readiness and ISO 13485 compliance.
• Opportunity to contribute to developing future laboratories as the organization grows.