Technical and Operational Lead (BEWISe)

The School of Engineering at Newcastle University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to lead the technical operation and development of the Biological Engineering: Wastewater Innovation at Scale (BEWISe) facility at Birtley. This pioneering European‑first research wastewater pilot facility supports both academic and industrial users, delivering scientifically rigorous experimentation at scale.

The facility is part of the Environmental Engineering group within the Discipline of Civil and Geospatial Engineering, working alongside other engineering groups and their technical teams. Our highly skilled technical colleagues play a vital role in supporting internationally recognised teaching and research activities. The University employs approximately 75 technicians across campus and off‑site facilities in the Northeast of England, spanning a broad range of disciplines and contributing directly to Newcastle University’s global impact.

In this role, you will be responsible for the technical and operational management of the BEWISe facility, including its equipment, infrastructure and experimental programmes, ensuring safe, compliant and high‑quality delivery of research and teaching activities. You will liaise with internal and external stakeholders, oversee health and safety, manage safety‑critical systems and support strategic development of the facility. You will work closely with Newcastle University academics, postgraduate and undergraduate students and partners from Northumbrian Water Ltd, providing technical expertise in experimental design, laboratory analyses and data acquisition.

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong technical and operational leadership experience in a research or industrial laboratory environment.
• Expertise in managing complex facilities, analytical instrumentation and infrastructure.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety regulations, laboratory compliance and risk management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management, including international collaboration.
• Flexibility and innovation to support cutting‑edge research and high‑value teaching programmes.

You will report to the facilities Academic Lead and the Technical Operations Manager and will lead key initiatives across the discipline and the wider School of Engineering. This is a unique opportunity to manage a world‑class research facility, contributing to innovative projects with both academic and industrial partners and shaping the future of wastewater research and technical services.

Benefits include:

• Excellent pension
• Flexible working options
• 42 days holiday (including public holidays and 4 University closure days)
• Discounted travel for the Metro and local bus services
• Discounts for national retailers

Please note this job does require a full UK driving license, as part of onboarding occupational health will conduct a health surveillance. The off‑site site location is remote and cannot be accessed by public transport, this role will regularly travel between site and main campus, driving therefore is deemed an essential requirement.

Key Accountabilities

• To manage the BEWISe facility, including its equipment, infrastructure and technical capabilities in support of high‑value teaching and research activities.
• To support the Technical Operations Manager in the planning, organisation and administration of the estates and wider technical services within their area of responsibility; to ensure the effective maintenance, security and management of facilities, including third‑party arrangements, and to lead on discrete estates‑related projects, including university‑wide initiatives.
• Ensure the security, upkeep, repair and calibration of equipment and facilities within the role’s remit. This includes handling and coordinating breakdown maintenance as directed and supporting a preventative maintenance programme to maintain a safe and efficient environment. Contribute to planning for equipment upgrades and replacements, and assist with maintaining the asset register for compliance and planning purposes.
• Help maintain a safe working environment in line with relevant legislation and policy, supporting the implementation of procedures and delivery of training and inductions. Contribute to safety discussions and continuous improvement and assist with emergency planning and response where required.
• To ensure robust financial management and accountability, maintaining accurate records for the recharging of technical services, materials and consumables, particularly in support of teaching and research activities.
• To lead and supervise technical staff within the BEWISe facility, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services. This includes allocating workloads, monitoring performance and supporting the development of staff through appropriate training to ensure all duties are carried out safely, competently and to a high standard.
• To lead and coordinate site sampling activities and oversee visits and tours including those involving external partners, Newcastle University staff and student groups, ensuring safe, well‑organised and effective delivery.
• To work in partnership with the academic lead, administrative lead and facility users to develop innovative, high‑impact experimental programmes utilising the full capabilities of BEWISe. To provide expert technical advice on the selection, design and execution of experimental approaches.
• To manage services provided to external users in collaboration with the administrative lead, including data acquisition, analysis and reporting. To communicate effectively and work collaboratively within an international team of staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students and external partners, ensuring high‑quality delivery and regular, accurate reporting.
• To liaise and cooperate with NWL to monitor, test and maintain all safety‑critical systems, including fire alarms, emergency lighting and portable appliance testing, on a regular and periodic basis to ensure compliance and safe operation of the facility.
• To collect samples and conduct laboratory analyses for the characterisation of water quality and microbial communities, providing accurate characterisation and reliable data to support specific research projects.
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

The Person

• Experience of managing or supporting a relevant work environment, particularly in a pilot plant and laboratory setting with its associated infrastructure, inventories, instrumentation, equipment and sustainable practices, whilst prioritising capabilities.
• Up to date and detailed knowledge of health and safety policy and procedure in a pilot plant and/or laboratory setting. Including extensive experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Experience of using an array of analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis including experience with GCMS, wet chemistry characterisations of wastewater (COD, BOD, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and other anion and cation analyses), trace gas analysis and microbiology skills.
• Ability to implement and manage change with demonstrable recent experience and skills in client management, and the ability to develop good working relationships across all stakeholders and teams.
• High‑level planning, organisational and technical problem‑solving skills, with a proactive and innovative approach, strong prioritisation ability and effective delegation skills.
• Evidence of project management and financial budgetary management.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Good numerical skills and the ability to manipulate, analyse and present information for management use.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Displays a flexible attitude to team tasks and priorities, with a willingness to help others and share workloads with clear communications.
• Works collaboratively with others and is a positive role model.
• Establishes strong stakeholder relationships and respects the expertise and contribution of others.
• Works in a planned and structured way with good attention to detail.
• Ensures all activities are completed on time and can prioritise tasks accordingly, optimising resource use and maintaining high standards of service.
• Strives to deliver high quality results by embracing change and developing and implementing new ideas to improve technical services and systems.
• A proactive and innovative approach to problem solving.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level qualification or higher (in a relevant Science or Engineering subject) plus experience in a similar role or significant technical experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding, relevant roles.
• Full UK or transferable international driver’s licence.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are a proud equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.