Head of Laboratory

London, UK

About Biolyz

Biolyz is a full-stack saliva-based biomarker testing company on a mission to accelerate access to biomarker analytics for all humans, globally. We offer a non-invasive testing solution whereby athletes and coaches simply use a cotton swab to collect saliva, which we analyze via mass spectrometry within 48 hours across 60+ biomarkers covering stress, recovery, metabolism, and inflammation. Our platform delivers real-time, hyper-personalized insights directly to coaches and athletes. Having tested over 2.5 million biomarkers across teams in the Champions League, Bundesliga, Premier League and Ligue 1 and other sports, Biolyz has powered the best athletes in their field.

About the Role

As *Head of Laboratory* in London, you will build and lead Biolyz's UK laboratory operations from the ground up. This is a pivotal leadership role: you'll establish our London lab as a world-class biomarker analysis facility, set scientific and operational standards, and scale the team to meet the growing demand from professional sports clubs, academies, and performance institutes across the UK and beyond.

You'll be both a scientific leader and an operational builder — someone who can design a high-throughput, quality-assured lab environment, recruit and develop a team of scientists, and work cross-functionally with our Austria and Germany operations to ensure consistency and excellence across all Biolyz labs. Your work will directly shape how elite athletes perform, recover, and stay injury-free.

What You'll Do

  • Establish and lead Biolyz's London laboratory, including site setup, equipment procurement, and team hiring

  • Oversee all laboratory operations: sample intake, mass spectrometry analysis, QC/QA, and reporting workflows

  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality management systems for the UK lab

  • Build, mentor, and manage a growing team of lab scientists and technicians

  • Ensure regulatory compliance with UK/EU standards (ISO 15189 or equivalent) and manage lab accreditation processes

  • Collaborate closely with the scientific and product teams in Austria and Germany to align on methods, data standards, and reporting

  • Drive continuous improvement in throughput, turnaround time, and analytical precision

  • Represent Biolyz in the UK scientific and sports science community, building relationships with key partners and clients

What We're Looking For

  • PhD or MSc in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, life sciences, or a related field

  • 7+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role

  • Deep expertise in mass spectrometry-based analysis and/or high-throughput biomarker testing

  • Proven track record of building and leading high-performing laboratory teams

  • Strong understanding of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation (ISO 15189, GMP, or equivalent)

  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

  • Based in or willing to relocate to London

Nice to Have

  • Experience in sports science, performance diagnostics, or clinical diagnostics

  • Familiarity with LIMS systems and lab automation platforms

  • Experience working in a scale-up or startup environment

  • German language skills (helpful for collaboration with our Austria/Germany teams)

Location & Compensation

  • London, UK (on-site)

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience

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