People and Operations Associate

Base pay range

We are looking for a People and Operations Associate to own the processes of the People function at Bactobio, shaping the experience of every person who joins, grows, and thrives with us. You’ll combine advisory with hands-on delivery, ensuring our HR function runs smoothly and our culture scales with care and intention.

Bactobio is a young London-based Bio Tech company (2020) using AI, genomics, and synthetic biology to culture previously unculturable microbes and screen them for antimicrobials. We regularly discover chemically novel antimicrobials that are effective against some of the biggest infectious diseases in agritech and healthcare, and select diseases to target based on the lack of current, effective solutions and the potential market size.

Our work culture is built around impact, empowerment, and collaboration, and we have managed to attract incredible scientists from world-leading institutions, alongside operational experts. We believe that open and inclusive conversations lead to better solutions. As a result, we have created a unique work environment, where ambitious people enjoy working together to make the world greener and safer.

The company is at an very exciting stage, as we are looking forward to our first product commercialisation in H1 2026, after which we intend to undergo a significant series A raise, and use the funds to expand our current team of 50.

You’ll be part of the Operations team — a close-knit group that manages Bactobio’s daily business operations with a lean structure and a strong ownership mindset. We thrive on collaboration and mutual support, and are not afraid to ask for help when it can lead to better results, and we’re just as quick to offer a hand when someone else needs it.

We work as one team with a shared goal: getting things done together, better.

This role keeps Bactobio’s People engine running smoothly and makes sure every team member has a great experience from their first interview to their last day. You’ll be hands-on with all our HR processes — from onboarding and contract changes to all key moments in the employee journey — ensuring everything runs like clockwork. You’ll be the go-to person for all HR-related matters, responsible for evolving our policies, drive engagement initiatives, and build systems that scale as we grow.

You’ll have real autonomy in your day-to-day work, with strong support from our Head of Business Operations, who provides strategic direction and mentorship to help you focus on impact and efficiency and who runs some of the People tasks. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a high-autonomy, fast-paced environment, loves variety, and enjoys turning ideas into action. You’ll have the space to experiment, innovate, and shape how we care for and empower our people — all while being part of a collaborative and trusting team.

This role also functions as a backup to the Office Manager, when they are absent or requires assistance, who is responsible for administrative and practical tasks in the office. This forms c. 10-20% of this role’s time.

• Own the People processes end-to-end, serving as the main point of contact for all HR-related matters across the organisation
• Coordinate the full employee lifecycle – from onboarding and development to engagement and offboarding – ensuring every stage reflects our values and delivers a positive employee experience
• Lead recruitment efforts, from drafting job descriptions and managing candidate pipelines to coordinating interviews and ensuring smooth onboarding
• Work with the Finance Manager to oversee payroll and ensure timely, accurate processing
• Advise on HR best practices, engagement, and culture-building strategies
• Handle employee relations with discretion, empathy, and fairness
• Maintain accurate HR systems, documentation, and compliance records
• Design and deliver initiatives that strengthen engagement, wellbeing, and collaboration
• Support and stand-in for the OM in daily operations as needed, including office management, IT coordination, social events and document administration

• 1-3 years’ experience in…