Biological Laboratory Manager in Aberystwyth

Key Details

• Faculty/Department: Faculty of Sciences
• Salary Scale: £47,389.29 - £56,535.44 per annum (pro rata)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Full-time: 36.5 hours per week
• Employment Visa: Sponsorable

Role Summary

VetHub1 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. VetHub1 has some of the best Containment Level 3 and Containment Level 2 facilities in the UK and works closely with the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis (CBTB) to enable cutting edge research in microbiology, immunology and microbial genetics and facilitate 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 its CL2 and CL3 laboratories in VetHub1 and CBTB. The post‑holder will act as the University’s Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Safety Advisor and Biological Safety Advisor, working closely with the Health, Safety and Environment team to maintain a safe and legally compliant working environment. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Key Responsibilities

• Fostering a positive HS&E laboratory culture by building excellent working relationships, training and upskilling staff, and promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Developing an inclusive and supportive team, setting operational goals in alignment with strategic objectives and empowering the team to be highly effective and productive.
• Overseeing the smooth running of CL2 and CL3 laboratories, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness for teaching, research, and commercial activities.
• Ensuring compliance with biosafety and regulatory requirements for all laboratory activity; managing laboratory spaces, overseeing CL3 shutdowns and servicing, CL3 inductions and competency assessments, and inventories and maintenance schedules.
• Acting as an active member of the Veterinary Research management team, providing strategic leadership and vision.
• Undertaking external engagement to build collaborative projects and commercial links.
• Assisting the Health, Safety and Environment team with documentation to ensure compliance with SAPO, COSHH and GMOCU, and integration into university H&S management systems.
• 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 and satisfy HS&E requirements.
• Undertaking laboratory inspections, internal investigations, lessons learned exercises, as and when required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake other duties as assigned by the line manager appropriate to the role's grade.
• Engage in university-level projects and initiatives as directed.
• Support colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key events such as open days and graduation ceremonies which may include weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity and support the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities while promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students.
• Support the University's commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices.

Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• A degree or equivalent knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject or equivalent work experience.
• Experience providing health & safety advice and support, including risk management and processes.
• Extensive experience of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation as applied to the CL3 laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of security requirements for handling pathogens and toxins and experience as a ‘Laboratory Representative’.
• Experience developing risk assessments, codes of practice and SOPs for work within CL3.
• Experience dealing with CL3 facilities handling high‑grade human or animal pathogens and organisms listed under Schedule 5.
• Experience with ACDP Hazard Group 3 agents.
• Experience 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.
• Demonstrated record of undertaking CPD to maintain competencies and keep abreast of legislation.
• Commitment to undertaking CPD in line with the role.
• Excellent record‑keeping and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication, able to provide effective technical instruction to varied audiences.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, build productive relationships and resolve conflict.
• Willingness to tackle out‑of‑hours emergencies in the facility.
• Commitment to enhanced security screening.
• Awareness of the bilingual nature of the University and procedures to support working bilingually.
• Welsh language standard: A0.

Desirable Qualifications

• Post‑graduate degree in a science or engineering subject.
• NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, or equivalent.
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Health & Safety, or equivalent accreditation.
• Professional qualifications in the carriage of dangerous goods or willingness to obtain them.
• Occupational competence and academic qualification in the field of GMO, with knowledge of statutory provisions.
• Experience with regulatory audits and inspections.
• Experience 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 with ISO 17025 Accreditation.
• Team player – collaborative, sharing knowledge, and supporting others to achieve shared goals.
• Experience promoting engagement and pushing boundaries.
• Advanced first‑aid training qualification.
• Oral (spoken) and written Welsh Level B1.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working
• 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to professional development
• Enhanced contribution to workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus

Equal Opportunity

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working and invites applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates. The university is a bilingual institution that complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to equal opportunities. All applications, whether in Welsh or English, will be treated equally.

How to Apply

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 must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. Send your application in Welsh or English; all applications will be treated equally.

Contact

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Amanda Gibson at amg39@aber.ac.uk. Human Resources, Aberystwyth University, Visulisation Centre, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, SY23 3BF Tel: (01970) 628555 Email: hr@aber.ac.uk