Assistant Geographical Laboratory Manager - College of Medicine and Health - 49574 - Grade 5

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An established university seeks a dedicated individual to manage research laboratory facilities. This role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and providing training to staff. The university prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment and offers generous benefits, including 40 days of paid holiday and opportunities for professional development. Join a team that values diversity and supports work-life balance while contributing to impactful research and education.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Paid volunteering day

Occupational sick pay

Pension scheme

Subsidized day nurseries

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory management and compliance with H&S policies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of research laboratories and office facilities.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and policies.

Skills

Laboratory Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Organizational Skills

Customer Service

Team Collaboration

Education

GCSE level 2 in Maths and English

Relevant laboratory experience or qualification

Tools

Common Software Packages

Job description

Position Details

College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £29,647 to £31,460, with potential progression once in post to £35,388

Grade: 5

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2026

Closing date: 20th May 2025

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

Our offer to you

People are at the heart of what we are and do.

The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognized as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.

We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme, which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to develop your career at the University.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.

Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University. Depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We also offer a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. Additionally, we have three high-quality subsidized day nurseries.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston with excellent transport links, including main bus routes and an on-site train station. On campus, we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with a pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham

Background

This post is part of the College’s Infrastructure and Facilities team of Technical and Laboratory Managers providing support within a defined geographical area.

Role Summary

The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of research laboratory and office facilities within a designated area, working with the local Laboratory Manager. Responsibilities include supporting basic housekeeping, estates, and H&S matters related to research facilities. The role may also involve providing training to research staff based on expertise. Additionally, the post holder will support College activities under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations (Infrastructure and Facilities).

Main Duties

The post holder will contribute to administrative tasks relevant to laboratories and offices, including:

• Establishing induction procedures for new staff in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, covering access, H&S, IT, and management issues, linked to College induction materials.
• Reporting estate failures and monitoring repairs with the Geographical Laboratory Manager.
• Maintaining laboratory facilities and ensuring timely servicing of equipment.
• Ensuring compliance with housekeeping policies and monitoring areas of non-compliance.
• Optimizing space use and reconfiguration where necessary, working with technical staff.
• Managing equipment booking systems and maintaining an asset register.
• Providing training and support to technical staff, research staff, and students, and transferring skills within the team.
• Conducting Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) for junior staff.
• Supporting the Technician’s Commitment and internal/external audits.
• Ensuring research orders comply with financial rules, including VAT considerations.
• Participating in college-wide initiatives related to technical support.
• Performing any other duties as directed by the line manager.

Health and Safety duties

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant H&S policies, including risk assessments and safety procedures for hazardous materials.
• Supporting compliance with Good Laboratory and Clinical Practice standards.
• Maintaining records and reporting breaches or non-compliance.
• Upholding waste management and disposal policies.
• Supporting maintenance activities and energy-saving measures.
• Functioning as fire warden and/or first aider as necessary, liaising with emergency services.

General Administration and Organisation

• Keeping accurate records and generating purchase requisitions.
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and functional environment.
• Ensuring equipment calibration, PAT testing, and inventory management.
• Supporting energy and sustainability initiatives.

Other Duties

• Participating in training and mentoring junior staff.
• Supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Performing other duties as reasonably required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Relevant laboratory experience and/or professional qualification.
• GCSE level 2 or equivalent in maths and English.
• Extensive laboratory-based experience.
• Positive service attitude and courtesy.
• Organizational skills and flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and H&S policies.
• Understanding of the Human Tissue Act and GLP standards.
• Proficiency in common software packages.
• Understanding of equality and diversity principles and ability to respond appropriately.

Dimensions

You will provide specialist expertise, support, and advice to customers. Supervision and budget monitoring may be involved.

Planning and Organising

Work independently on routine and project tasks, planning resources and procurement in advance.

Problem Solving and decision making

Research and adapt protocols, uphold H&S, identify problems, and implement solutions with autonomy under supervision.

Internal and External relationships

Support research staff, students, and external contacts such as company representatives.

Further details can be found here

Informal enquiries to Carol Benham, email: [e-mail]

View our staff values and behaviours here

We believe diversity is a strength and are committed to inclusivity, equality, and sustainability. More about our initiatives can be found on our website.