Biological Laboratory Manager in Aberystwyth

VetHub is a £4.2m Innovation Cluster providing secure facilities to research Animal and Human Pathogens. The Facility is set in the heart of the Aberystwyth University campus with access to world leading academic expertise and state of the art laboratory equipment. VetHub has some of the best Containment Level 3 and Containment Level 2 facilities in the UK. VetHub works closely with the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis (CBTB), enabling cutting edge research in microbiology, immunology and microbial genetics and facilitating in-depth studies of host-pathogen interactions.

Aberystwyth University is seeking a highly organised and experienced Biological Laboratory Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of our Containment Level 2 (CL2) and Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratories in VetHub and CBTB. This pivotal role supports a diverse range of teaching, research, and commercial activities, ensuring that all laboratory operations meet the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. The post-holder will act as the University’s Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Safety Advisor and Biological Safety Advisor, working closely with the University’s Health, Safety and Environment team to maintain a safe and legally compliant working environment.

The role holder will be responsible for:

• Fostering a positive HS&E laboratory culture across the university by building excellent working relationships, involving, training and upskilling staff in an empowering way.
• Developing an inclusive and supportive team that fosters a positive culture where individuals are encouraged, respected and actively supported to contribute at all levels.
• Overseeing the smooth running of CL2 and CL3 laboratories in CBTB and VetHub, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness for teaching, research and commercial activities.
• Be an active member of the Veterinary Research management team, providing strategic leadership and vision, professional expertise and insight.
• Undertaking external engagement to build collaborative projects and commercial links.
• Assisting the Health, Safety and Environment team by ensuring that all documentation is compliant with regulatory duties under SAPO, COSHH and GMOCU.
• Acting as Biological Safety Officer for the university and supporting the GM management arrangements.
• Providing specialist advice on the safe handling, storage, containment, disposal, and shipment of biological and GM materials.
• Building and delivering a programme of specialist training sessions internally and externally to ensure compliance across the university.
• Undertaking laboratory inspections, internal investigations, lessons learned exercises, as and when required.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Undertake other duties as assigned by your line manager, commensurate with the role’s grade.
• Engage in university-level projects and initiatives as directed.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand.
• Promote equality of opportunity, and support and uphold the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role.
• Support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices and engagement.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required:

• A degree or equivalent knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject.
• Experience of providing health & safety advice and support to an organisation.
• Extensive experience of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation as applied to the CL3 laboratory environment.
• Knowledge and experience of working to the security requirements for the handling of pathogens and toxins.
• Experience of developing risk assessments, codes of practice and standard operating procedures for work within CL3.
• Experience of dealing with CL3 facilities handling HG3 human and/or animal pathogens.
• Experience of working with ACDP Hazard Group 3 agents.
• Experience of developing and providing training courses.
• Knowledge of dangerous goods transportation regulations.
• Line management experience, preferably in a scientific or technical/engineering environment.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership across the university.
• Excellent resource management and reliability under pressure.
• Demonstrable record of undertaking personal continuing professional development.
• Excellent record keeping and administrative skills.
• An excellent communicator, able to provide effective technical instruction and guidance.
• Able to lead and motivate a team, to build highly productive working relationships.
• Demonstrable willingness to deal with out of hours emergencies in the facility.
• Commitment to enhanced security screening as required.

• A postgraduate degree in a science or engineering subject.
• NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Health & Safety.
• Professional qualifications in the carriage of dangerous goods.
• Occupational competence and academic qualification in the field of GMO.
• Experience with regulatory audits and inspections.
• Experience of working with Bovine-TB (BTB).
• Experience liaising with external clients, partners, or regulatory bodies.
• Qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).
• Experience supporting commercial research projects, contract work, or industry partnerships.
• Experience of ISO 17025 Accreditation.
• Demonstrable experience of being a team player.
• Advanced first aid training qualification.

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements. Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk.

Benefits include flexible working policy, hybrid working, generous leave entitlements, commitment to professional development, enhanced contribution to workplace pension schemes, and more.