Salary: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum, with progression to £46,049. Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package, pension schemes, and health and wellbeing initiatives.
Closing Date: 11 June 2026
The Role
The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering seeks an experienced Chemical Labs Technical Team Leader to support the teaching and research activities of the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will manage chemistry laboratories and infrastructure within the Bedson Building, lead a team of technicians, and oversee chemical waste disposal, building services (stores, gas and cryogens), and key building services. The role requires technical knowledge, organisational skills, teamwork, communication skills and a strong commitment to health and safety.
For informal enquiries, please contact Samuel Logan by email: samuel.logan@ncl.ac.uk
The position is full‑time and offered on an 18‑month fixed‑term basis to cover maternity leave.
Successful Candidate Will Need To Demonstrate
* A proven track record of laboratory experience and independent working
* Supervisory responsibilities for staff or students
* A proactive mindset with evidence of continuous improvement
* Evidence of technical problem solving and a solution‑focused approach
* Health and Safety management experience
* Awareness and commitment to sustainability initiatives
Key Accountabilities
* Lead, manage and develop a technical team, including induction, training, performance management, duty allocation, recruitment and leave authorisation.
* Support the School Technical Manager with estate planning, organisation and administration of wider technical services within the area of responsibility; maintain security and facility management; lead estate projects and university‑wide initiatives.
* Ensure satisfactory maintenance, repair and calibration of all equipment and instrumentation; assist in forward planning for equipment upgrade and replacement; maintain the asset register for planning and insurance.
* Monitor and maintain a safe working environment in line with Health & Safety guidelines; attend safety committees for the area of responsibility.
* Maintain sound financial accounting, ensuring best‑value principles and accurate recharging of technical time, materials and stock items.
* Act as the chemical laboratory team leader, providing technical support for chemistry teaching and research.
* Serve as the chemical waste and bottled gas coordinator, managing safe storage and disposal of all chemical waste and bottled gas produced within the School.
* Perform any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade as required.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Substantial work experience in a scientific/biological laboratory or relevant environment, with a proven track record of leading a technical team.
* Thorough understanding of Health & Safety issues in a biological laboratory and safe use of Category II containment facilities.
* Ability to implement change and motivate and develop team members.
* Proven written and verbal communication skills.
* High‑level planning, organising and technical problem‑solving skills with a proactive, innovative approach and strong prioritisation and delegation.
* Evidence of project management and financial budgetary management.
* Good numerical skills and the ability to analyse, manipulate and present data for management.
* Experience of working collaboratively with academic staff.
Desirable
* Professional registration with an appropriate awarding body or working towards such registration.
Attributes and Behaviour
Thinking Strategically
* Ability to see the big picture, manage complex problems and develop a vision for the area that aligns with the university’s strategy.
* Decisions are based on analysis and understanding of data and stakeholder perspectives.
Embracing Change
* Recognises and promotes the benefits of change, generating new ideas and improving processes.
* Adapts to changing circumstances, supports others through change and revises plans accordingly.
Team‑Working
* Collaborates across projects, respects diverse viewpoints, shares information and supports team decisions.
Developing Talent
* Motivates and develops self and others, providing timely, constructive feedback and coaching.
* Supports staff through performance management and reward mechanisms.
Planning and Organising
* Prioritises tasks, sets clear responsibilities, maintains flexibility, fulfils deadlines and keeps accurate records.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant subject or significant vocational experience, with progression through more demanding roles.
Desirable – Management CPD
* Management qualification or evidence of leadership CPD.
Newcastle University is committed to building a fair and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all individuals. We are an equal‑opportunity employer, a University of Sanctuary, and hold awards recognising gender and race equality. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Requisition ID: 29404
#J-18808-Ljbffr