An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled Programme Manager - Laboratory Operations (Microbiology) to join our Human Challenge Facility (HCF) within the Liverpool Vaccine Group (LVG). This senior role will lead our laboratory operations team, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance in microbiology research to support world-leading controlled human infection studies.
As a key member of the LVG Management Team, you will have overall responsibility for microbiological oversight, laboratory governance, capacity planning, and resource allocation across multiple clinical research projects. You will ensure the effective delivery of laboratory outputs, including preparation of study samples, management of challenge agents, and maintenance of robust quality systems in line with GCP and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities are (but not limited to):
1. Lead all microbiological aspects of controlled human infection studies, from strain storage to inoculation and endpoint readouts.
2. Manage and develop the laboratory operations team, ensuring appropriate training, competence, and workforce planning.
3. Oversee clinical sample management, including quality control, traceability, and transfer to biobanks or safe disposal.
4. Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (HTA, GCP, HSE, GDPR), maintaining inspection readiness.
5. Manage laboratory budgets, expenditure monitoring, and costing models to support research funding applications.
6. Drive continuous improvement of laboratory systems, workflows, and biosafety practices.
You will possess:
7. A BSc or MSc in a Biological Science (e.g. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology) or equivalent experience.
8. Extensive experience of leading laboratory functions, with proven ability to manage people, projects, and resources.
9. Strong background in microbiological and molecular biology techniques, with experience in Category 3 facilities and handling clinical samples.
10. Knowledge of laboratory regulations and quality systems, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
11. Excellent organisational, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to deliver in complex, high-stakes environments.
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
12. 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
13. Generous occupational pension schemes
14. Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
15. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
16. Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies