We are seeking
a highly skilled and motivated Laboratory Manager to join a dynamic and innovative research team. This role supports the day‑to‑day operation, organisation, and scientific output of the laboratory. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient daily functioning of the laboratory. This includes ensuring high standards of health and laboratory safety compliance, ordering and managing consumables, overseeing laboratory organisation, and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. You will play a key role in training and supporting group members in experimental techniques and best laboratory practices. You will also assist team members in performing research projects. Applicants should have a background in Life Sciences, namely Neuroscience or Molecular Biology or Molecular Genetics, and have specific research skills in mouse colony management, mouse genotyping, mammalian cell culture, image analysis, single cell sequencing, as well as fluorescent imaging, and clearing methods. A broad skill set in molecular and cellular biology and excellent organisation and communication skills are essential. Key responsibilities:
1. Manage lab spaces and stocks and place consumables orders.
2. Conduct laboratory work and supervise laboratory work of undergraduate students.
3. Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
4. Train group members in use of equipment and experimental techniques.
5. Maintain lab hardware and software infrastructure.
6. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
7. Maintain a high level of operational efficiency ensuring sufficient cleaning and decontamination is undertaken.
8. Ensure all group members have adequate PPE and receive relevant inductions and training for safe laboratory work.
9. Assist with practicing and following home office licence guidelines, namely BMS annual returns
Selection criteria:
10. Educated to degree level in a biological science subject
11. Relevant technical experience in the field of pathogen sequencing and laboratory management.
12. Training and/or experience operating robotic systems for liquid handling, nucleic acid extraction, and next generation sequencers (especially Illumina and PacBio).
13. Training and experience working autonomously in facilities that handle potentially dangerous pathogens
14. Experience leading administrative lab duties including use of database systems for sample curation, writing and maintaining version-controlled protocols, using LIMS, using electronic laboratory records, writing risk assessment, consumables stock management.
15. Experience with a range of nucleic acid extraction protocols, library preparation methods for unbiased conversion of total nucleic acid libraries, bait enrichment, and sequencing using different sequencer technologies.
16. Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.
17. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues at all levels and third-party providers.
18. Experience of promoting collaborative research environments for people from different backgrounds.
What we offer:
19. Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
20. An excellent contributory pension scheme
21. 38 days annual leave
22. A comprehensive range of childcare services
23. Family leave schemes
24. Cycle and electric car loan schemes
25. Employee Assistance Programme
26. Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
27. Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans