At a Glance
- Tasks: Support world-class science and manage lab operations at the John Innes Centre.
- Company: Join a leading research institute focused on plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: BSc in a relevant field and experience in a lab environment.
The predicted salary is between 36540 - 40600 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Lab Manager to join the John Innes Centre (JIC), supporting the world‐class science delivered across our institute.
About the John Innes Centre:
JIC is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. Our vision is to deliver solutions to global challenges and help secure a safer, healthier and more sustainable future. We are entering an exciting phase of development, with major improvements planned for our science buildings. This role will be central to maintaining operational continuity while supporting the progression of significant organisational change.
The role:
Working alongside the Lab Manager team, the successful candidate will contribute to the planned operational management of existing science buildings and act as a key interface between researchers and support functions (including Health & Safety, Facilities, contractors and suppliers). The postholder will also support the development of new science buildings. As the programme evolves, the role is expected to develop, and applicants must be adaptable and responsive to changing priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Shared line management of the Lab Support Team, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
- Supporting the planning, review and oversight of infrastructure and refurbishment projects.
- Leading and delivering environmental sustainability initiatives across JIC.
- Assisting Building Safety Officers and the NBIP HSEQA team with safety compliance, training, SOP and risk‐assessment preparation, incident review and follow‐up actions.
- Supporting equipment procurement, deployment, maintenance and lifecycle management.
- Conducting compliance testing and audit activities.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Have experience working within a scientific research environment.
- Possess working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, including biological and chemical safety.
- Have experience in a laboratory environment and demonstrate strong IT skills.
- Bring research‐environment experience, including supervising, training or mentoring colleagues, and planning and project‐management abilities.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engage effectively with staff at all levels.
Additional information:
This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship. However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances. Please note, the occupation code for this role is not on the immigration salary list.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Assistant Lab Manager in Norwich employer: The John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation in plant and microbial sciences. With a commitment to employee growth, the Centre provides opportunities for professional development alongside a supportive culture that values diversity and sustainability. Located in Norwich, employees benefit from a stimulating research atmosphere and the chance to contribute to meaningful global challenges while enjoying a family-friendly workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Lab Manager in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the John Innes Centre on LinkedIn or through professional groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest projects at JIC. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the exciting work happening there. Bring your A-game with questions that demonstrate your knowledge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your experience and skills clearly, especially how they relate to lab management and safety compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at JIC!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Lab Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Lab Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in scientific research and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong IT skills and knowledge of Health & Safety legislation. We want to see how you can contribute to our operational management and sustainability initiatives, so be specific about your past experiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to present complex information, as this reflects the communication skills we value at StudySmarter. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your scientific knowledge, especially in plant and microbial sciences. Be prepared to discuss relevant projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role of Assistant Lab Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be sharing line management of the Lab Support Team, highlight any experience you have in supervising or mentoring colleagues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or project in the past.
✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with Health & Safety legislation, particularly in a laboratory context. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach safety training and risk assessments at JIC.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex information in a straightforward way, as you'll need to engage effectively with researchers and support functions. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've had to present information clearly.
