Working at Scantox in the UK

Based in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, Scantox Manchester is located at Alderley Park, approximately 14 miles from Manchester Airport and 18 miles from Manchester city centre. The site is home to more than 250 organisations spanning life sciences, technology, and other innovation-driven sectors, with a long-standing heritage in world-class scientific research.

Set within 400 acres of woodland and parkland, Alderley Park offers extensive walking and running routes, an onsite farm with lambs in the spring, and excellent wellbeing facilities, including a gym and padel courts. It’s an environment designed to support both outstanding science and a healthy work–life balance.

Scantox Manchester

Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK  | Tel: +44 1625 238 700 

Scantox Manchester is the next chapter in a story that began as Gentronix Limited

Scantox Manchester (previously Gentronix Limited), was established in 1999 as a spin out via UMIST (the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology) and has evolved from an academic concept into a globally acknowledged contract research organisation. We introduced the GreenScreen GC assay in 2003, followed by GreenScreen HC in 2005, which were key in establishing Gentronix as a leader in predictive genotoxicity testing and as a contract research organisation (CRO).

Throughout the early 2010s, we broadened our in vitro genotoxicology capabilities, achieved Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance, and successfully passed MHRA GLP inspections. The next phase of our evolution was to add in vivo genotoxicology services to broaden our portfolio.

Working at Scantox - Denmark

In 2021, Gentronix enhanced its scientific offerings by acquiring the TGRA Big Blue® model, achieving MHRA GLP approval and market acceptance. Our extensive scientific expertise, established client relations, and industry leadership in genetic toxicology made Gentronix an ideal match for the Scantox Group who acquired the Gentronix business in September 2024.

Since joining Scantox, Gentronix has become part of a comprehensive toxicology CRO, combining its specialised genotoxicity knowledge with Scantox’s expertise in regulatory, discovery, and pharmaceutical development.

What We do at Scantox Manchester

We are committed to helping our clients develop safer chemicals and medicines, using innovative screening platforms as well as GLP regulatory tests to detect hazard, to understand mode-of-action, and help manage risk.

Comprising a team of over 65 colleagues with a range of experiences from within the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and CRO industries, our team has extensive expertise in the field of genetic and predictive toxicology. Our ambition is to become the leading provider of predictive and preclinical toxicology products and services across a variety of industry sectors.

Meet our Team

Laura Hinton
Site Head

Laura is Site Head of the Scantox site in Manchester and is responsible for the delivery of contract services as well as providing leadership to the teams based here.

Originally a DMPK scientist with a PhD in pharmacokinetics from the University of Manchester, it was the transition into a role within a specialist CRO that lead to Laura developing an interest in the operational aspects of the CRO business.

With over 20 years industry experience, mainly within contract research, Laura’s interests now lie in the development of effective organisations, sustainable growth and timely delivery of high quality scientific services.

Nick Billinton
Director of Compliance
Nick is the Director of Compliance at Scantox Manchester and is responsible for overall compliance in science and quality at the site.
 
With a PhD in genetics and biotechnology, Nick led the research efforts and assay development at Gentronix, and then the transition of the business to a CRO. He brings over 25 years of experience in genetic toxicology and well over a decade of leadership experience in GLP compliance. As Director of Compliance, Nick continues to ensure our commitment to expert delivery of high quality science is maintained.
Dan Cooper
Finance Director
Dan joined Scantox Manchester as Finance Director in December 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of financial leadership and a proven track record of driving transformational change within the UK SME sector.
 
ACA qualified with a Top 10 accountancy practice, Dan specializes in developing the robust financial systems and scalable processes essential for success within fast-paced, private equity-backed environments.
 
At Scantox Manchester, he oversees the company’s financial strategy and reporting frameworks, leveraging his expertise in systems integration and data-driven insights to ensure operational excellence. His focus is on providing the sophisticated financial architecture necessary to support Scantox Manchester’s continued international expansion and long-term success as part of the Scantox Group.
Lucinda Lillford
Head of Genetic Toxicology
Lucinda is the Head of Genetic Toxicology, where she leads teams in the delivery of high-quality genetic toxicology studies.
 
With over 20 years of experience in regulatory genetic toxicology, she brings extensive technical expertise across both in vitro and in vivo assays, alongside consultancy experience.
 
Her work has supported a diverse range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemicals, enabling her to provide well-rounded scientific insight across multiple regulatory landscapes.
 
Lucinda is recognised as an expert in her field and is passionate about supporting and developing emerging scientists and fostering dynamic and rewarding career pathways within the discipline.
She currently serves as Secretary of the European Environmental Mutagenicity Society and is an active member of the UK Mutagenicity Society.
Hayley Harkin
HR Business Partner
Hayley joined the business in 2024 as an HR Business Partner and plays a key role in shaping a people strategy aligned with business objectives, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
 
Hayley has been a strong advocate and driver of a number of people centric initiatives and has been instrumental in delivering a structured career pathway framework to the scientific teams in Manchester. This framework provides clear development routes for colleagues and supports the future skills needs of the business.
 
Hayley brings over 20 years of HR experience across a diverse range of sectors, including medical communications, telecommunications, aviation, and facilities management. With a broad industry background, Hayley brings practical insight into supporting leaders and teams as well as working collaboratively with the wider Group HR team. 

Recruitment Process

Your application will be entered into our HR & Recruitment system, Emply, and you’ll need to review and sign our privacy policy.

A real person will review your application. You will receive updates from us at every stage of the process, regardless of the outcome.

You are always welcome to contact us by phone for more information about the position. Please use the contact details in the job post.

If you are successful, you’ll be invited to an initial informal interview, typically conducted either over the phone or via video call with HR, lasting no more than 30 minutes.

 

1st interview:

  • Provide insights into previous experience and how this matches Scantox
  • Provide an indication to your salary expectations
  • Provide insights into expectations for personal and professional growth

2nd interview:

  • We may ask you to provide one or two references. We will always contact references provided.

If you advance beyond the first interview, you’ll be invited to a face-to-face interview with the hiring manager, HR, and other team members. This may involve:

A presentation (depending on the role);

  • Technical questions and discussions regarding your CV;
  • Competency-based questions aligned with our framework, where we’ll seek examples of teamwork, effective communication, and organisational skills;
  • A tour of our facilities and the chance to meet potential future colleagues.

Job offers are typically made over the phone, followed by the necessary paperwork. We value your time, so we’ll keep in regular contact and provide feedback after your interview.

We will keep your CV details in our system for 4 weeks after the application process has ended, after which they will be deleted (in accordance with GDPR).

Scantox Manchester - Company Benefits

 

  • Company Pension Scheme 8% company contribution
  • 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Life assurance x2 salary
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Retail discounts
  • Mental Health Wellbeing platforms
  • Financial Wellbeing
  • Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental and Adoption leave policy

Career Pathways

We have developed an equitable, transparent, and flexible framework for colleague development. Our Career Pathways consist of clearly defined competencies for each role and expectations for progression from Laboratory Technician through to Principal Scientist. Our aim is to ensure that every role in the business has a visible and achievable pathway for professional development. These pathway competencies underpin how we recruit, support development, and recognise progression, guiding colleagues at every stage of their career with us.

Other roles in the business

We have developed an equitable, transparent, and flexible framework for colleague development. Our Career Pathways consist of clearly defined competencies for each role and expectations for progression from Laboratory Technician through to Principal Scientist. Our aim is to ensure that every role in the business has a visible and achievable pathway for professional development. These pathway competencies underpin how we recruit, support development, and recognise progression, guiding colleagues at every stage of their career with us.

Our facilities team efficiently manages and maintains our lab spaces and equipment, ensuring smooth operations.

Our quality assurance team upholds the highest standards, rigorously checking our scientific work in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Our business administration teams consist of archiving, purchasing and document control.

Our business development team engage directly with current and prospective customers to coordinate upcoming research programs to support the development of safe products. 

Our Finance team consists of roles that support financial reporting and accounting for the business operations of this site.

Apprenticeships

We fully support apprenticeships and early careers development. We currently have two apprentices within the business who are successfully combining their roles with us alongside working towards their degree apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University. Our Site Head also sits on the scientific apprenticeships advisory board at the MMU, helping to ensure that apprenticeship course content is aligned with the needs of industry employers.

Our Guiding Principles

 

Integrity is at the heart of everything that we do.

We are committed to always:

  • Upholding scientific professional standards, ethical conduct, honesty, and objectivity in our industry.
  • Ensuring precision, excellence, and uniformity of all company data.
  • Doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest, while treating one another honourably being a highly trusted part of the team.
  • Establishing trust and cultivate lasting and meaningful relationships with our customers.