R&D Operations Associate

At Leyden Labs, an opportunity has arisen for an organized and detail-oriented  

to work from our office in Leiden, the Netherlands to support our R&D Operations team. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a logistics-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. As an R&D Operations Associate, you will be responsible for coordinating international shipments, managing shipment logistics, and overseeing research sample management activities.

Why would you want to work with us: 

With innovation at the forefront, Leyden Labs is on a mission to develop cutting-edge mucosal protection platforms designed to free people from the threat of respiratory viruses, such as influenza and coronaviruses. We are delighted to be at a pivotal moment in our journey, having secured a further €40M in funding. Working at Leyden Labs will give you the opportunity to work with a group of talented people and immerse yourself in truly meaningful medical science.

Your day-to-day responsibilities and tasks will include: 

You are responsible for coordinating shipments and ensuring they are completed accurately and on time. You will manage shipment documentation, support sample logistics, monitor shipment activities, and resolve shipment-related issues. 

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate domestic and international shipments through courier services.

• Maintain shipment records and invoices.

• Follow and maintain shipment SOPS and identify opportunities to improve processes.

• Prepare and manage shipment registrations, freight documentation, and customs documentation. Ensure ADR and customs compliance.

• Communicate with external parties and international offices.

• Keep internal stakeholders informed of shipment status and resolve problems in a timely manner. 

You are responsible for managing research samples through their lifecycle. This includes maintaining sample inventories, coordinating storage and transfers, ensuring traceability, and keeping sample records accurate and compliant with company procedures and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the inventory and lifecycle of research samples. 

• Coordinate sample storage, transfers, and traceability. 

• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GCP, GDPR, and informed consent requirements.

• Coordinate the handover of sample from the Clinical Department to the Research Department.

• Maintain accurate sample records and support audits and inspections.

• Investigate and report sample deviations or discrepancies.

• Work closely with Research, Lab operations, Clinical, QA and external partners on sample management activities.

What We Offer: 

• This is a position for 32 hours per week. 

• Hybrid working possibilities with a minimum of 3 days per week in our beautiful office in Leiden, the Netherlands. 

• An open company culture and a pleasant, informal working atmosphere.

• A rapidly evolving international environment with collaboration across teams.

• Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and innovative environment.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in quality, logistics, or a similar field.

• At least 2 years of relevant hands-on experience in coordinating shipments and/or sample/freezer management.

• Knowledge of or experience with GMP/GDP, CITES, animal by-products and Dangerous Goods regulations is considered an advantage.

• Experience with LIMS or inventory management systems is considered an advantage.

• Good command of the English language, proficiency in Dutch is a plus.

More About You:

• Strong administrative and communication skills are important.

• Demonstrate a high level of accountability and a strong sense of responsibility.

• Ability to perform effectively under time pressure.

• Customer-focused, efficient, highly accurate, and detail-oriented.

• Proactive work attitude with strong problem-solving abilities. 

This position is open to candidates currently residing in the Netherlands with an existing EU work authorization. This position is for 32 hours a week with a minimum of 3 days in the office required. Ideally our new colleague starts October 2026 or earlier, if possible, but we are willing to wait for the best candidate, so we understand you have a notice period or already planned your annual leave. Due to vacations within the team, the on-site interviews will start at the end of August.

We are an equal opportunity employer, so we firmly believe in the added value of a diverse and inclusive group of people with one common goal. We are looking for people who can make an impact and work on a purpose, together.

To all agency recruiters given the important work our employees do, I kindly request that you do not approach our people directly. At Leyden Labs, all vacancies are filled with internal efforts, and external support is not required at this time.