Biological Safety & Lab Operations Manager in Aberystwyth

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 VetHub1 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.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Amanda Gibson amg39@aber.ac.uk. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check.

What you’ll do

• 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 VetHub1, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness for teaching, research and commercial activities.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety and regulatory requirements for all laboratory activity.
• Managing laboratory spaces, overseeing CL3 shutdowns and servicing, CL3 inductions and competency to work assessments, and inventories and maintenance schedules.
• 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 are 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 and satisfy HS&E requirements.
• Undertaking laboratory inspections, internal investigations, lessons learned exercises, as and when required.

Additional Responsibilities (Grades 6-8)

• Undertake other duties as assigned by your line manager, commensurate with the role's grade.
• Engage in university-level projects and initiatives as directed, and undertake any additional duties commensurate with the role, as assigned by the line manager.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key university events such as open days and graduation ceremonies which may include weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity, and to support and uphold the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• To support the university strategy and underlining plans, engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role, while actively promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students as a member of the Aberystwyth community.

Essential Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

• A degree or equivalent knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject or equivalent work experience.
• Experience of providing health & safety advice and support to an organisation, including development and implementation of effective risk management and process.
• 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 for 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 to maintain key competencies required for the role.
• Commitment to undertaking CPD in line with the role.
• Excellent record keeping and administrative skills.
• An excellent communicator, able to provide effective technical instruction and guidance adapted to suit a range of levels of understanding.
• Able to lead and motivate a team, to build highly productive working relationships, to resolve conflict.
• Demonstrable willingness to deal with out of hours emergencies in the facility.
• Commitment to enhanced security screening as required.

Desirable Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree in a science or engineering subject.
• NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, or other equivalent or higher qualification in health & safety management.
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Health & Safety, or another equivalent accreditation.
• Professional qualifications in the carriage of dangerous goods or a willingness to acquire them.
• Occupational competence and academic qualification in the field of GMO, appropriate scientific and laboratory experience.
• 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 – working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, and supporting others to ensure shared goals are achieved.
• Advanced first aid training qualification.

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 for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

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 our 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.

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, and those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates. We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities.

We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.