Rapid mobilisation of a high throughput laboratory network

Challenge

A UK based health monitoring and screening provider sought to establish and rapidly scale their PCR diagnostic capability in response to the worldwide COVID pandemic, to enable the safe operation of workplaces and resumption of international travel. In a period of evolving government guidance and under lockdown conditions, identifying and launching new laboratory premises, recruiting appropriately skilled scientists, and sourcing specialist equipment all presented considerable barriers.

Solution

Synergy's Laboratory Services team took ownership of parallel activity streams including the sourcing, fit-out and launch of multiple new laboratory sites; managed a recruitment campaign to deliver and mobilise analytical teams; and liaised with customer scientific leads to coordinate roll-out and manage operational performance.

Our experienced laboratory operations and project management professionals scouted existing lab facilities and alternative commercial space across all regions, facilitating lease agreements, managing design and build, and utilising our industry network to source and commission infrastructure and equipment.

Meanwhile, a dedicated Synergy team of Regional Lab Managers worked with SRG recruitment specialists to build a flexible team of sample technicians, assay scientists and senior analysts capable of handling the entire sample process workflow from receipt to result confirmation on behalf of the client, whilst providing them with visibility and control throughout.

Centralised Training and Technical Managers were placed at a purpose-built facility, supported QA/QC activities, ISO accreditation and protocol development to maximise efficiency and respond to new developments.

Through detailed reporting and close collaborative working, Synergy - utilising our flexible scientific service management expertise - were able to deliver a network of fixed and mobile testing facilities promptly and at pace, allowing the customer to launch new services and respond to new opportunities in a highly effective way.

Outcome

With Synergy support, the customer rapidly positioned itself as a premium provider of diagnostic services to industries including defence, elite sports, and TV and film industries. The operation grew to involve 350 scientific staff across more than 18 locations, capable of providing fast-turnaround PCR testing anywhere in the world.

By prioritising quality and focusing on resilience and training from the outset, the expanded organisation was able to secure ISO accreditation within year one, ready to pivot back to wider health screening and diagnostics.

Looking for a scientific services partner?

The team from Synergy Scientific Management Solutions work with laboratories across the world, equipping laboratories with expert talent that catalyse laboratory success, from within. 

At Synergy, we help laboratories embrace adaptability with flexible teams who we source, manage and develop ourselves.

Interested in hearing more?

You can talk to our friendly team about your resourcing requirements at: synergyqueries@srgtalent.com