Laboratory Manager

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) • Wallingford, VT

1d • $38,939 - $41,321 • Onsite

About The Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Laboratory Manager to join our team at UKCEH. You will be responsible for the management of the laboratory and controlled environment facilities at UKCEH Wallingford, supporting the important environmental science that we carry out. Working closely with the facilities management team and individual laboratory-based researchers, you will be responsible for the efficient running of our laboratory and field facilities. You will also work with our Quality Assurance Manager and Safety, Health and Environment Team to ensure that our facilities run efficiently, safely and to the required quality management standards needed for our researchers. We are looking for a great team worker and communicator with experience of laboratory practice gained in an academic, educational, or industrial research environment. You will have a degree in a science or engineering subject and be familiar with current HS&E legislation as it applies to working in a laboratory or workshop. You will know how to set up and use a range of laboratory equipment and have experience of its application for teaching or research.

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree or graduate with at least 3 years' equivalent skills and knowledge.
• Computer literacy and numeracy.
• Knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject.
• Knowledge and experience of general laboratory and/or workshop practice gained either in an academic or an industrial environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills.
• Knowledge and experience of implementation of current HS&E legislative requirements as they apply in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with setting up and using a wide range of laboratory and equipment for the purposes of teaching or research.
• Ability to make effective decisions concerning the operation and management of laboratories, workshops, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to work as part of the broader UKCEH team, liaising effectively with Facilities and engineering staff and supporting science staff and students.
• High level of safety awareness.
• Effective communication to deliver instruction and guidance to members of the technical team and to students with varying experience.
• Effective decision making and conflict resolution skills.
• Use of data analysis tools such as MS Excel
• Specialist knowledge of one or more technical areas of specific interest to the facility, such as, but not limited to, molecular biology, experimental ecology, or environmental chemistry.
• Ability to plan your own work and make independent decisions.

Nice To Haves

• An understanding of current safe systems of work for chemical, biological, and/or radiological safety would also be desirable.
• Experience/proven abilities relating to the position:

Responsibilities

• Oversight of laboratory wing operations, maintaining/troubleshooting equipment, and fostering a productive, safe environment for scientists and technicians. As part of this, you will be responsible for arranging maintenance, calibration, and servicing laboratory instruments and required to stay updated on new technologies and environmental initiatives.
• Support the compliance and delivery of scientific research across UKCEH’s Science Areas through effective management of laboratory resources.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to support operational decision-making and to provide advice to lab users and science leadership.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with internal and external audits and regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate documentation and supporting quality assurance initiatives.
• Provide and communicate advice to staff for the implementation and adherence to safety, health and environmental policies, procedures, and legislation.
• Offer solutions and serve as a point of contact for queries to promote a positive safety culture within the science laboratories.
• Provide laboratory inductions and training to staff, students and visitors to ensure a positive and safe working environment.
• Conduct audits of UKCEH laboratory activities against policies and management standards, identifying compliance gaps and recommending actions.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
• 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees