Containment Level 3 (CL3) Manager in Oxford

We are seeking to appoint a Containment Level 3 Manager to help lead the setup and day-to-day running of a brand-new high-containment laboratory within the Plot B2 Building. This is an exciting chance to be part of a major new facility that will support world-class research across the Jenner Institute, the Pandemic Sciences Institute, and the Oxford Vaccine Group.

You’ll play a central role in getting the new CL3 space ready for use, guiding it through commissioning, and then overseeing its safe, smooth, and compliant operation. The building will bring together cutting-edge vaccinology, pathogen research, and large collaborative teams, and you’ll be right at the heart of its technical and operational management.

You will be responsible for the technical and operational management of the shared CL3 facility. This includes:

• Working with contractors and scientific users during the setup phase, ensuring equipment, documentation, and safety systems are in place, and helping transition the space from construction to active use.
• Managing day-to-day laboratory activity, overseeing maintenance, coordinating planned shutdowns, and ensuring all safety-critical systems run as they should.
• Leading on compliance, training, and inductions for staff and contractors, and serving as the main point of contact for health and safety matters.
• Writing and maintaining SOPs, risk assessments, codes of practice, and inspection documentation, as well as investigating incidents and guiding corrective actions.
• Supporting users with technical advice, running user group meetings, participating in management and safety committees, and helping shape processes that keep the facility running efficiently.
• Managing core resources, procurement, budgeting for equipment maintenance, and overseeing a small team of technical staff.
• Supporting departmental initiatives, contributing to wider CL3 working groups, and ensuring that standards and practices remain aligned across the department.

It is essential you hold a degree in a biological science or an equivalent qualification, along with proven experience managing CL3 (or CL4) laboratory operations and staff. You will need a strong understanding of biosafety regulations, containment procedures, and the practical realities of working in high-hazard environments.

You should have experience reviewing and implementing CL3 risk assessments, codes of practice, and safety procedures, and be comfortable managing contractors and facilities services. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are key, as you will work with research groups, building management, safety officers, and senior stakeholders.

You will need to be organised, calm under pressure, and able to handle a varied workload with competing priorities. Excellent IT skills, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to build your professional knowledge through ongoing development are also essential for success in this role.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 24 months and is funded by Estates PEA for PB2 capital project. First stage interviews are to be held around the 11 February 2026. Second Stage interviews are to be held around the 18 February 2026. Please quote on all correspondence.

£49,119 to £58,265. Standard Grade 8 with a discretionary range to £63,489 p.a. (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).