Laboratory Manager

TN United Kingdom; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Infectious Disease Laboratory Manager to lead three specialized laboratories. This exciting role involves overseeing operations in veterinary diagnostics, integrating commercial work with academic research, and enhancing the service's international reputation. The successful candidate will develop new diagnostic methods, manage budgets, and mentor staff, all while contributing to the growth of the service. Join a welcoming culture that values flexibility and commitment to development—where your expertise can make a significant impact on companion animal health.

Qualifications

• Degree in a related subject with extensive diagnostic laboratory experience.
• Ability to develop new test methods and interpret diagnostic findings.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning and operation of diagnostic laboratories.
• Ensure quality-assured testing service and innovate in diagnostics.

Skills

Diagnostic Virology

Bacteriology

Parasitology

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Strategic Thinking

Training and Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Health and Safety Regulations Knowledge

Education

Degree in a Related Subject

Postgraduate Qualification in Biological Sciences or Virology/Microbiology

Tools

Scientific Software

Job description

Job Title: Infectious Disease Laboratory Manager

Job Purpose

To provide functional leadership to three infectious disease laboratories (veterinary virology, veterinary microbiology, and veterinary parasitology) within the SBOHVM’s Veterinary Diagnostic Service (VDS), managing this major service with a significant degree of autonomy. The role involves integrating commercial work with academic research, strategically developing the service, and enhancing its international reputation. The post holder will develop links with biotechnology enterprises to attract diagnostic contracts and foster collaborations. In partnership with the academic head of infectious disease, the role includes developing novel diagnostics for companion animals to maintain service profitability.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage the planning, operation, and oversight of bacteriology, parasitology, and virology diagnostic laboratories.
2. Ensure a rapid, efficient, and quality-assured testing service for samples from veterinarians and institutions, including prioritization and delegation of tasks.
3. Utilize specialist knowledge to develop and adapt the infectious disease service in a dynamic veterinary diagnostic market.
4. Innovate in companion animal diagnostics, developing new methods with improved sensitivity and accuracy to enhance the service’s international standing.
5. Collaborate with research scientists and commercial companies on scholarly and commercial projects.
6. Manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenses, and implement remedial actions as needed.
7. Develop staff capacity and motivate/mentor team members to meet current and future research and commercial needs.
8. Contribute to the broader management of the diagnostic service and the School through committee memberships.
9. Prioritize and allocate resources to meet service objectives and organizational requirements.
10. Deliver teaching and training to students, scientists, and staff, including tutorials, seminars, and one-on-one sessions.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• A degree or equivalent in a related subject.
• Working knowledge of diagnostic virology, bacteriology, and parasitology.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and university policies.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic findings and develop new test methods.
• Strategic thinking to integrate commercial and research activities.
• Excellent training, communication, supervisory, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Extensive IT skills, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Biological Sciences or Virology/Microbiology.
• Advanced skills in veterinary virology, molecular biology, tissue culture, assays, and virus purification.
• Experience in research, staff leadership, and publication record.

Experience

• Significant diagnostic laboratory experience.
• Independent work experience.
• Practical experience in molecular and serological testing, classical virology, bacteriology, or parasitology.
• Experience with scientific software and expert systems.
• Experience in research-oriented technical work and staff supervision (desirable).

Terms and Conditions

Salary is Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This is a full-time, open-ended position. The university offers a welcoming culture, flexibility, and a commitment to development and inclusion.