Laboratory Manager, Clinical Safety Laboratory

QPS is a global, full-service CRO providing discovery, preclinical, and clinical research services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. At our Groningen site, we support a wide range of clinical research activities in a highly collaborative and regulated laboratory environment. The QPS Clinical Safety Laboratory is a specialized facility that ensures patient safety and data integrity in clinical trials. It provides, analyzes, and reports critical, protocol-driven data—such as hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis—using high-throughput automated systems. 

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day management of the Clinical Safety Laboratory in Groningen. This role combines people leadership, operational oversight, and hands-on safety laboratory expertise to ensure high-quality laboratory output, regulatory compliance, and strong support of client studies.

Reporting to the local Laboratory Director and working closely with site leadership, this position plays a key role in aligning laboratory operations with business needs while maintaining QPS global standards.

What you will do

• Lead and manage daily operations of the Clinical Safety Laboratory, ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality delivery of services

• Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory staff, including hiring, training, and performance management

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, and safety requirements

• Oversee laboratory systems, equipment maintenance, and implementation of new methods or services

• Manage laboratory planning, budgeting input, and consumables in line with business needs

• Act as a operational point of contact for study teams, project management, and site leadership

• Review study protocols to identify laboratory requirements and support study readiness activities

• Troubleshoot technical and operational issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Support client interactions and contribute to sponsor satisfaction as needed

What you bring

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field

• Working knowledge of GCP, and ISO15189 and clinical safety laboratory-related Dutch regulations

• 5 - 10 years of experience in a regulated laboratory environment, preferably within a clinical safety laboratory, CRO, or pharmaceutical settings

• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring laboratory staff

• Strong working knowledge of laboratory quality systems and regulatory requirements

• Strong organizational skills and clear communication style; must have business level English language skills and a minimum of B1 level of Dutch language skill

Why QPS Groningen?
QPS Groningen offers a close-knit, science-driven environment where your work has real impact. Our clinical teams support innovative clinical research for global pharmaceutical and biotech clients, while maintaining short communication lines, and strong collaboration. You will work at a well-established site with modern facilities, experienced colleagues, and the stability of a global CRO, combined with the agility and influence of a smaller, highly specialized team.

QPS Netherlands B.V., located in Groningen, is part of QPS Holdings LLC - a global contract research organization (CRO) providing discovery, preclinical, and clinical services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. We support every step of the drug development journey with a strong commitment to quality and client success. If you want to shape the future of clinical research in Europe, lead a high-performing team, and make a real impact, we want to hear from you. Apply today! 

Vaccination Protocol

At QPS, we care about keeping our workplace healthy and safe. Our vaccination program, including Hepatitis B, helps support that goal. Participation may be required for some roles and is voluntary/encouraged for others. By applying, you acknowledge that you understand this policy as it relates to your role.