(Sr) Lab Manager – Help build our new molecular biology lab in Copenhagen from scratch
You are an experienced lab manager who enjoys creating structure, building reliable routines, and keeping a molecular biology lab running smoothly day-to-day. You’re well organized, pay attention to detail, and you take pride in meticulous, systematic work – whether you’re writing an SOP, managing inventory, or stepping into the lab when needed.
The Role:
For our new laboratory in Copenhagen, we are looking for a (Sr) Laboratory Manager to help build the operational backbone of our new lab and keep it running smoothly and effectively. This is a highly hands-on, high-ownership role with significant influence. You will be our first employee in Denmark, and you will help set the standards, routines, and working practices that future hires will build on (next hires are expected to include a Scientist and a Lab Technician).
Note: Lab management and operational excellence are the priority in this role, but benchwork is part of the job.
What you will do:
- Own daily lab operations: purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and ensuring the lab is always “ready to run”.
- Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, building management, and other providers.
- Create and maintain protocols, SOPs, and documentation practices, and support building our Quality Management System (QMS).
- Step into practical lab work when needed, including handling and processing human samples (primarily saliva, buccal swabs, plasma, etc.).
- Participate in biomarker discovery and molecular diagnostic assay development projects.
- Document and report results and progress to colleagues and, where relevant, external partners/clients.
Must-have experience (most important criteria):
- Proven lab operations experience: you have experience from running the day-to-day lab with confidence – building structure, setting priorities, and keeping things moving (inventory, vendors, scheduling, coordination).
- Personal authority: you communicate clearly, set standards, and make sure ways of working are followed – also when it’s busy or ambiguous.
- Process & documentation mindset: strong at creating and maintaining protocols and documentation; quality thinking comes naturally.
- Hands-on molecular biology baseline: comfortable stepping into the lab when needed (e.g., sample handling and core workflows) with close attention to detail.
Nice-to-have experience:
- Experience implementing or working in a QMS (e.g., ISO/GLP/IVD-related environments).
- Experience processing human-derived samples (saliva, buccal swabs, plasma, urine).
- Exposure to RT-qPCR and/or NGS workflows (doesn’t need to be expert level).
- Experience as an early lab hire / setting up a lab from scratch (equipment, suppliers, routines).
We offer:
- A central role in establishing a new lab setup with real ownership, influence, and visibility.
- A chance to build scalable lab routines and infrastructure from the ground up.
- A varied role combining operational excellence with hands-on work when needed.
- A dynamic environment with strong opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Exposure to in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) product development and quality management.
Practical details:
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Start date: As soon as possible / By agreement
- Employment: Full-time
How to apply:
Please upload your CV and application as soon as possible. We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis.
About us
We are establishing a development laboratory in Denmark focused on biomarker discovery, and assay, and product development. We identify RNA biomarkers from non-invasive samples such as buccal swabs, blood, and urine, with initial applications in oncology and neurology. We are in stealth mode but have funding to get off to a good start.
