HVAC Engineer — Critical Facilities for Biomedical Research in Stockport

Help maintain the critical environments supporting world‑leading health research. At UK Biobank, our facilities infrastructure supports one of the world’s largest biomedical research resources including laboratories, clinics, MRI facilities, and ultra‑low temperature biological sample storage systems.

Location: Cheadle, Greater Manchester (with regular travel to additional UK Biobank sites as required).

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Salary: £45,000 - £47,000 / year

Description: As we continue moving into our brand‑new headquarters at Manchester Science Park, we’re looking for an HVAC Engineer to help support the environmental systems and critical infrastructure that keep these operations running safely and efficiently. This is a highly practical, hands‑on role within a unique technical environment where reliability, responsiveness, and problem solving genuinely matter. You’ll be responsible for supporting HVAC systems and associated plant equipment across UK Biobank’s Manchester headquarters and wider UK sites. Working alongside a specialist Estates & Technical Services team, you’ll help maintain critical environmental conditions across laboratories, clinics, storage systems, and office environments including supporting systems linked to large‑scale biological sample preservation. The role combines maintenance, fault diagnosis, repairs, commissioning, and operational support across a complex facilities environment. You’ll also work closely with specialist suppliers and engineering partners while supporting systems that operate continuously and are critical to research activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical engineering work within a highly specialised setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing all HVAC and supporting services for UK Biobank’s new headquarters Greenheys on Manchester Science Park.
• Providing maintenance, fault diagnosis, and first‑line repairs to all plant equipment including but not limited to HVAC systems, controls, chillers, pump sets, etc.
• Assisting with installation, commissioning, validation, calibration and ongoing maintenance of plant, equipment and systems, working with support engineers and other personnel from suppliers.
• Liaising with the operators of Manchester Science Park on any plant systems that have dual responsibility.
• Supporting out‑of‑hours work and responding to system/site failures that are critical to sample and system preservation.

Qualifications:

• Experience in supporting complex facilities infrastructure and critical building services environments.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, and refrigerant handling.
• A practical, hands‑on approach to maintenance, fault finding, and problem solving.
• Experience working within regulated or technical environments such as hospitals, laboratories, research, or clinical facilities would be highly beneficial.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team while also managing tasks independently when required.
• Flexibility to travel between UK Biobank sites across the UK as part of operational support activities.

Working Hours and Travel:

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, onsite 5 days per week, 9am – 5pm.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development. We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Tommy Wilson at so we can support you.

Benefits:

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme – Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave – Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme – Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave – Subject to eligibility.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan – Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions – Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget – Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Free On‑Site Gym – Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches – Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Free Car Parking – On‑site parking available for staff.
• Employee Discounts Portal – Access savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential support for personal/work‑related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination – Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover – Financial protection for your loved ones.

The job advert closing date may change, so early applications are encouraged.