United Kingdom · Research and development · Lead (8-12 years)

Laboratory Operations Specialist

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

Keep this job description

Where should we send it?

One email: what AI is changing in this job, and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

Upskilling a team in this role? Talk to us

  • Experience bandLead (8-12 years)
  • Direct reports3-5 reports
  • Reports toLaboratory Operations Manager
  • UK framework levelUsually a manager, or the deepest specialist in a team

Also advertised as Lead Lab Operations Coordinator · Senior Lab Systems Administrator · R&D Operations Lead · EHS & Lab Compliance Specialist

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 3 · covers 3 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities ETC Awards Limited · Level 3 · covers 2 of 10 standards
GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 2 · covers 4 of 10 standards
ETCAL Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities ETC Awards Limited · Level 2 · covers 4 of 10 standards
IAT Level 5 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Institute of Animal Technology · Level 5 · covers 1 of 10 standards
IAT Level 6 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Institute of Animal Technology · Level 6 · covers 1 of 10 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
Laboratory Measurement Techniques GQA PAA\VQ-SET Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
Prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use ETCAL Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
LABORATORY ANIMAL HOUSING AND ROUTINES IAT Level 5 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology

The future skills this job leans on

Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
Systems Fluency seeing the whole picture
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Laboratory Operations Specialist

4 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 3 of 10 standards Level 3
  2. Laboratory Measurement Techniques GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 2
  3. Prepare compounds and solutions for scientific or technical use ETC Awards Limited · covers 4 of 10 standards Level 2
  4. LABORATORY ANIMAL HOUSING AND ROUTINES Institute of Animal Technology · covers 1 of 10 standards Level 5
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Laboratory Operations Specialist?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skill this role is being asked for

  • Advanced Data Analytics & Visualisation for Operations
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Laboratory Operations Specialist plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

3What this role really is

A Laboratory Operations Specialist keeps lab systems and equipment running, from LIMS to freezers, and supports safety and compliance in R&D settings.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

Benchling / LabWare LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) Advanced

Configuring new workflows, managing user permissions, troubleshooting data entry errors, generating complex reports, integrating with other lab systems. You'll be the super-user and first line of support.

Quartzy / Labguru (Inventory Management) Advanced

Setting reorder points, managing supplier catalogues, analysing usage patterns to prevent stockouts, resolving inventory discrepancies, and training junior staff on best practices.

SAP S/4HANA / Oracle NetSuite (Procurement / ERP) Intermediate

Managing goods receipt, resolving invoicing issues with Accounts Payable, analysing departmental spend, and training scientists on proper requisition procedures. You'll be the bridge to Finance.

Agilent OpenLab / Thermo Fisher Chromeleon (Instrument Control) Intermediate

Performing basic troubleshooting, setting up new sequences for junior staff, managing user permissions, and conducting routine calibration checks. You won't be running experiments, but you'll keep the instruments ready.

MS Teams / Confluence (Collaboration & Documentation) Advanced

Drafting and revising SOPs, organising comprehensive documentation spaces, creating project-specific channels and guidelines, and leading operational meetings.

Excel / GraphPad Prism (Data Analysis & Visualisation) Advanced

Using Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and basic statistical tests for operational data (e.g., instrument uptime, stock levels); creating publication-quality figures for internal reports; troubleshooting complex spreadsheets.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
LIMS Workflow Configuration Follows existing configuration guides; escalates any issues to a Senior or Lead. Independently configures routine workflows; consults Senior/Lead on complex changes. Designs and implements complex new workflows; consults Lead on strategic impact.
Equipment Maintenance Scheduling Logs maintenance requests as instructed; informs supervisor of urgent needs. Schedules routine preventative maintenance based on established calendar; escalates complex repairs. Manages the full preventative maintenance schedule for a section of the lab; recommends new service contracts.
EHS Protocol Implementation Follows all safety protocols and reports incidents immediately. Identifies minor safety risks and proposes solutions; helps update basic safety signage. Drafts and revises specific EHS protocols (e.g., for a new chemical); conducts basic risk assessments.
Budget for Operational Supplies Creates purchase requisitions from templates; no spending authority. Manages routine stock orders; spending authority up to £500 for consumables. Manages a specific lab section's consumable budget up to £2K; recommends larger purchases.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

LIMS Data Integrity & Uptime
Accuracy of data entry and overall system availability for our Benchling LIMS.
Target · Data entry error rate <0.5%; System uptime >99.5%

If a sample ID is consistently mis-entered, or Benchling is down for more than 4 hours in a month, that's a red flag. We're looking for smooth, uninterrupted data flow.

Equipment Calibration & Maintenance Compliance
Percentage of critical lab equipment (e.g., pipettes, balances, centrifuges) that are calibrated and maintained on schedule.
Target · 100% compliance for all GxP-critical equipment; >95% for all other lab equipment.

If the pipettes in Cell Culture haven't been calibrated in 18 months, or the -80 freezer's preventative maintenance was missed, that's a problem you'll own and fix.

EHS Incident Rate & Audit Findings Closure
Number of safety incidents (spills, near misses, injuries) and the average time taken to close out findings from internal or external EHS audits.
Target · Zero critical safety incidents; average closure time for audit findings <15 days.

A chemical spill that wasn't properly documented or a repeat finding from an HSE audit will be a key indicator of where we need to improve. You'll be instrumental in driving those improvements.

Reagent Stock-out Incidents
Number of times a critical reagent or consumable runs out, causing delays to experiments.
Target · Fewer than 1 critical stock-out per quarter.

If a scientist can't start their experiment because we're out of a common buffer, that's a direct hit to productivity. You'll be managing the systems to prevent this.

Proactive Problem Prevention
Your ability to spot potential issues (e.g., instrument wear, impending compliance gaps) before they become major problems.
  • You're regularly bringing solutions to the table before anyone else notices the problem. Scientists mention you 'saved the day' by anticipating a need. You've implemented a new system that prevents common errors.
Effective Team Leadership & Mentorship
How well you guide and develop the junior lab operations staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
  • Your direct reports are visibly growing in their roles, taking on more responsibility, and rarely make the same mistake twice. They come to you for advice, and you're seen as a fair and knowledgeable leader. Feedback from your team is consistently positive about your support.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Influence
Your knack for getting different teams (scientists, QA, IT) on the same page regarding lab processes and system changes.
  • You're regularly invited to planning meetings for new research programmes. When a new system is being considered, your input is actively sought. You can get scientists to adopt new (and sometimes tedious) processes because they trust your reasoning.
SOP Quality & Practicality
The clarity, accuracy, and ease-of-use of the Standard Operating Procedures you develop or revise.
  • New team members can pick up an SOP you wrote and follow it successfully with minimal questions. Audit feedback consistently praises the quality of our documentation. Scientists find your SOPs genuinely helpful, not just bureaucratic.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Building Robust Systems that Work

You get a real kick out of designing a new workflow in Benchling that genuinely saves scientists time, or implementing a preventative maintenance schedule that drastically reduces instrument downtime. Seeing a well-organised freezer or a perfectly executed calibration programme makes your day.

You've just finished configuring a new module in our LIMS for a specific research project, and the scientists are actually using it without issues. That's a win.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

You feel a strong sense of responsibility for the safety of your colleagues and the integrity of our research. You're motivated by knowing that your meticulous EHS management prevents accidents and keeps us audit-ready. You take pride in a clean bill of health from an external inspection.

After an internal EHS audit, you've implemented new signage and updated chemical storage protocols, leading to zero near-misses reported in the following quarter. That's tangible impact.

Mentoring and Developing Others

You enjoy guiding junior team members, helping them understand complex lab processes, and watching them grow into more independent operators. You find satisfaction in sharing your knowledge and seeing your team improve their skills and confidence.

One of your direct reports successfully troubleshoots a minor instrument issue on their own, using the steps you taught them, and comes to you proudly to tell you about it.

What frustrates people
  • The 'Phantom User' who messes up a shared instrument's settings and doesn't own up to it.
  • Spending hours trying to get a service engineer to come out for a finicky piece of equipment that's critical to a deadline.
  • Scientists who see SOPs as suggestions rather than mandatory procedures, creating compliance headaches.
  • Dealing with procurement delays for essential items, even when you ordered them weeks in advance.
  • The constant battle to keep shared lab spaces tidy and organised when everyone's busy.
What this role does not give you
  • A purely hands-on bench science role – you're enabling it, not doing it directly.
  • A quiet, predictable routine – expect regular urgent requests and unexpected challenges.
  • Complete autonomy over scientific direction – your autonomy is in operational strategy and execution.
  • Immediate, visible glory for every improvement – sometimes the best work is invisible because nothing went wrong.

8Who you work with

This role directly impacts the productivity and safety of our entire R&D function. By optimising lab systems and ensuring compliance, you'll reduce operational bottlenecks, minimise safety incidents, and safeguard the integrity of our research data. Your work directly translates into faster, more reliable scientific outcomes, protecting both our people and our intellectual property. Frankly, without you, the scientists couldn't do their jobs effectively, and we'd be exposed to significant regulatory and safety risks.

Inside the business
  • R&D Scientists (all levels)
  • Research Leads and Directors
  • Quality Assurance Team
  • Procurement Department
  • IT Support Team
Outside the business
  • Equipment Vendors and Service Engineers
  • EHS Regulators (e.g., HSE)
  • Specialised Waste Disposal Companies
  • LIMS/ELN Software Providers

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Proven experience (at least 5 years) in a Senior Laboratory Operations Assistant or similar role, demonstrating a clear progression in responsibility.
  • A track record of independently managing complex lab systems (e.g., LIMS, inventory, equipment maintenance programmes).
  • Demonstrable experience in drafting, implementing, and enforcing SOPs, with a strong understanding of their importance.
  • Experience in leading or mentoring junior lab staff, including providing training and performance feedback.
  • A solid understanding of GxP principles and practical experience with EHS regulations in a lab setting.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly for technical troubleshooting of lab instruments and software.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance & Inventory Optimisation

Manual checks and reactive maintenance are becoming obsolete. AI can predict equipment failures before they happen and optimise inventory levels with incredible accuracy. Your role will shift from scheduling maintenance to configuring and managing these smart systems, interpreting their outputs, and responding to their predictions.

Machine learning fundamentals (e.g., regression, c · Sensor data integration and IoT (Internet of Thing · Anomaly detection algorithms for instrument perfor · Reinforcement learning for dynamic inventory manag · Ethical considerations and bias in AI predictions

  • This month: Research current AI solutions for predictive maintenance and inventory in the lab industry (e.g., specific vendors).
  • Next 3 months: Work with IT to understand how our current LIMS/ERP data could feed into a predictive model. Start with a simple proof-of-concept.
  • Next 6 months: Take an online course on basic machine learning concepts, focusing on practical applications in operations.
  • Next 12 months: Lead a pilot project to implement an AI-driven inventory reordering system for a specific category of reagents.

Quick win: Identify one critical piece of equipment or reagent that frequently causes issues, and manually track its usage/performance data. Then, try to predict its next failure or stock-out using simple Excel trends. This builds intuition for predictive models.

Robotics & Lab Automation Integration

Repetitive lab tasks are increasingly being automated by robotics. As a specialist, you won't be programming the robots, but you'll need to understand how to integrate them into existing workflows, manage their operational uptime, and troubleshoot basic issues. This requires a different kind of operational oversight.

Basic robotics principles (e.g., liquid handlers, · Software integration between automation platforms · Workflow design for automated processes · Calibration and validation of automated systems · Safety protocols for human-robot interaction in th

  • This quarter: Attend a webinar or industry event focused on lab automation trends and new robotic platforms.
  • Next 6 months: Shadow a scientist or technician who uses automated equipment to understand their operational challenges and needs.
  • Next 12 months: Identify one manual, repetitive task in our lab that could be automated and research potential robotic solutions, including integration requirements.
  • Ongoing: Build relationships with automation vendors and stay informed about their latest offerings.

Quick win: Read the manuals for any automated equipment we currently have in the lab. Understand its basic functions, maintenance requirements, and common error messages. This will give you a head start.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regularly attending industry conferences and workshops focused on lab automation, LIMS advancements, and EHS best practices in R&D.
  • Participating in professional networks or forums for lab operations specialists to share knowledge and learn from peers.
  • Undertaking continuous professional development in GxP regulations, staying current with any updates or new guidelines.
  • Seeking out opportunities to lead internal training sessions for junior staff on new systems or safety protocols.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

Advanced Data Analytics & Visualisation for Operations

We're generating more operational data than ever before – instrument logs, LIMS data, inventory movements. Simply collecting it isn't enough. The ability to extract meaningful insights from this data will be crucial for identifying bottlenecks, predicting failures, and making data-driven decisions about lab efficiency and resource allocation.

  • Statistical process control (SPC) for monitoring l
  • Time-series analysis for equipment performance tre
  • Dashboard design principles for operational KPIs (
  • Correlation and regression analysis for identifyin
  • Data storytelling: presenting complex operational

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) & GxP Principles
  • Laboratory Asset Management & Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Chemical & Biosafety Management (EHS)
  • SOP Development & Lifecycle Management
  • Supply Chain & Cold Chain Logistics

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Senior Laboratory Operations Assistant (L3)

    3-5 years as an L3

    Skills to master

    • Mastering SOP development, leading troubleshooting efforts, informal mentorship of junior staff, and taking ownership of specific lab sections (e.g., cell culture operations).

    You're ready to move on when

    • Consistently identifies and implements process improvements without prompting.
    • Is the 'go-to' person for complex operational questions within their area.
    • Successfully trains new hires and provides effective informal guidance.
    • Demonstrates a proactive approach to anticipating lab needs and preventing issues.
  2. 2

    Lab Technician / Research Associate (with operational focus)

    5-8 years in a technical role, shifting focus to operations

    Skills to master

    • Deep technical understanding of lab equipment, strong problem-solving for instrument issues, a keen eye for operational inefficiencies, and a desire to formalise process improvements.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Has a reputation for being the 'fixer' when instruments break down.
    • Actively proposes operational improvements based on their hands-on experience.
    • Shows a strong interest in the 'how' and 'why' of lab systems, not just the 'what'.
    • Volunteers for operational projects or takes on additional responsibilities beyond their core research duties.
  3. 3

    Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist (from a lab background)

    4-6 years in QA, looking to move into direct lab operations

    Skills to master

    • Translating QA requirements into practical lab processes, a deep understanding of GxP and audit readiness, and the ability to drive compliance from an operational perspective.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Has a strong understanding of audit processes and common findings.
    • Can clearly articulate the link between quality systems and daily lab work.
    • Is passionate about preventing non-conformances through robust operational controls.
    • Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and a systematic approach to process management.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This work can lead to managing operations across multiple labs, or into a senior systems architect role focused on lab technology and integration.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Laboratory Operations Specialist is actually changing.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use, worked against Laboratory Operations Specialist.

Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use Level 3

Applied to your work in Laboratory Operations Specialist

The objective of this unit is to enable learners to accurately measure, weigh, and prepare compounds and solutions for laboratory use, adhering to safety protocols and quality standards. Learners will develop proficiency in using measuring equipment, preparing solutions to specified concentrations, and evaluating the quality of prepared substances, ensuring consistency and accuracy in laboratory procedures.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Laboratory Operations Specialist
  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) & GxP Principles
  • Laboratory Asset Management & Qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Chemical & Biosafety Management (EHS)
  • SOP Development & Lifecycle Management
  • Supply Chain & Cold Chain Logistics
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Laboratory Operations Specialist is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Laboratory Operations Manager (L5)

    3-5 years in the Specialist role

    Increase in scope from managing systems and a small team to managing multiple teams, overseeing entire lab budgets, and contributing to strategic facility planning.

    • Lab space planning and design for expansions or renovations.
    • Capital equipment procurement and justification (£100K+).
    • Developing and managing departmental operational budgets.
    • Leading significant LIMS/ELN platform migrations or integrations.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be real, lab operations can be a relentless cycle of manual checks, data entry, and chasing down information. But what if you could offload some of that grunt work and focus on the strategic stuff? Imagine a world where AI helps you stay ahead of the curve, not just keep up.

As a Laboratory Operations Specialist, you're already juggling complex systems and critical compliance. AI isn't here to replace you; it's here to give you superpowers. We're talking about tools that learn from our data, anticipate problems, and even help you draft those tedious SOPs. This isn't science fiction; it's happening now, and we want you to lead the charge in using it.

Predictive Inventory Automation

Imagine an AI tool that hooks into our Quartzy or Benchling data. It analyses historical usage patterns, factors in lead times, and then automatically generates purchase orders for critical reagents before we even think about running low. No more 'Reagent Ghosts' or urgent Friday afternoon orders. You'll spend less time counting vials and more time optimising our supply chain.

Intelligent Equipment Health Monitoring

Our instruments are expensive and critical. What if an AI could constantly monitor performance logs from, say, our Agilent OpenLab or Thermo Fisher Chromeleon systems? It could spot subtle pressure fluctuations in an HPLC or unusual temperature spikes in a freezer before a failure occurs, then proactively alert you to schedule preventative maintenance. This means less downtime, fewer lost samples, and happier scientists.

AI-Assisted SOP & Documentation Drafting

Writing and revising SOPs can be a massive time sink, especially when you need to ensure GxP compliance. An AI assistant could help you draft new Standard Operating Procedures by providing smart templates, suggesting appropriate compliance language based on our internal guidelines, and even summarising manufacturer's manuals. You'd still review and refine, of course, but the initial heavy lifting would be done in minutes, not hours.

Automated Safety Data Sheet Summarisation

Every new chemical means a new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to pore over for hazards, PPE, and spill procedures. An AI tool could instantly parse these lengthy documents and generate concise, easy-to-read summaries. You could then use these for quick lab signage or to brief junior staff, ensuring faster and more accurate safety compliance without the manual deep dive every single time.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Laboratory Operations Specialist?

Common routes in include Senior Laboratory Operations Assistant (3-5 years as an L3), Lab Technician / Research Associate (with operational focus) (5-8 years in a technical role, shifting focus to operations) and Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist (from a lab background) (4-6 years in QA, looking to move into direct lab operations). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Laboratory Operations Specialist progress to?

This role can lead on to Laboratory Operations Manager (3-5 years in the Specialist role), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Laboratory Operations Specialist?

Increasingly, Advanced Data Analytics & Visualisation for Operations. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 5

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

More jobs in research and development

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.

If you leave this industry

Skills in GxP compliance, lab automation and system management transfer well to other settings. This can lead to quality assurance, R&D project management, or roles with lab equipment or software vendors. Experience in regulated environments is useful in pharmaceuticals, biotech and contract research organisations.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my Laboratory Operations Specialist plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.