Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation.
By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Our interventions work. Since we started, we have helped over 300 companies raise over £1bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery.
Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey.
The values of the Catapult are:
- Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence.
- Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other.
- Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other.
- Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work.
Role purpose
The Discovery Operations Associate will support the operational and logistical elements of delivering our complex and dynamic project portfolio. The individual will work closely with internal colleagues and external suppliers to help deliver solutions that enable us to achieve delivery within quality, time and budget metrics.
This role will suit an individual experienced in the management of logistics, planning and problem-solving within an operational delivery environment, within the life sciences sector, who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced setting.
Attention to detail, a collaborative mindset and a solution-orientated approach to address operational challenges will be essential. Working closely with a range of MDC colleagues and external suppliers, they will make a significant contribution to delivery of the MDC Discovery project portfolio.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Support the timely and consistent reporting of data to enable tracking and communication of delivery against milestones and key performance indicators KPIs.
- Support the management of a comprehensive, integrated plan for the Discovery team’s project portfolio, detailing timelines, resource requirements, and interdependencies to ensure successful delivery against annual objectives and commercial targets.
- Provide operational support to Technical Leads in the project planning and delivery phase to source samples, reagents and services and ensure on-time delivery, enabling delivery of projects to quality, time and cost.
- Support the development and maintenance of detailed portfolio-level resource plans that meet the overall scope of work within budgetary limitations and time constraints.
- Support management of a system to track and optimise the use of equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal downtime.
- Support Technical Leads in timely and consistent completion of the risk assessments and other governance documentation that is required for safe and compliant delivery and reporting of lab activities.
- Contribute to the development and review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to laboratory activities.
- Liaise with vendors, lab technicians and internal procurement teams to manage stock levels and pre-empt and/or resolve supply chain disruptions.
- Identify systemic laboratory or other operational bottlenecks which impact project delivery and propose and support implementation of solutions.
Experience, skills & competencies:
- Qualification in Life Sciences, Laboratory Technology, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
- Experience of working in a team environment to support timely and effective delivery of a portfolio of interdependent projects or activities.
- Experience of working in a Logistics or Planning role, in the life sciences sector.
- Experience of reporting of progress against plans and budgets.
- Understanding of laboratory practices, procedures, and safety standards.
- Experience in resource modelling or demand forecasting would be desirable.
- Familiarity with inventory or supply chain modelling will be an advantage.
- Excellent communication and organisation skills.
- Solution orientated, calm and level-headed; comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, aligned with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with peers and stakeholders, including external vendors and suppliers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or data analysis tools.
- Collaborative working style, able to work well independently and in a team environment.
- Experience working in the drug discovery sector would be an advantage.
- Experience of Health & Safety and Regulatory Compliance is desirable.
Closing date: Friday 5th September 2025
Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.
