Laboratory Manager

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable environmental research organization in Wallingford is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee laboratory operations and ensure compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree in a science or engineering field, extensive laboratory practice experience, and strong leadership skills. This position involves managing laboratory resources, supporting scientific research, and fostering a safety-conscious culture. Benefits include generous annual leave, pension contributions, and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible working opportunities

24/7 wellbeing support

Qualifications

• 3+ years of equivalent skills and knowledge in laboratory management.
• Computer literacy and numeracy.
• Knowledge of HS&E legislation as applicable to laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory operations and troubleshoot equipment.
• Ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.
• Provide training and inductions for staff and students.

Skills

Laboratory practice experience

Leadership skills

Data analysis (MS Excel)

Education

Postgraduate degree in a science or engineering subject

Job description

Salary - £38,939 - £41,321
Fully site based
Location: Wallingford. Oxfordshire
Closing date: Friday 30th January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Laboratory Manager to join our team at UKCEH. You will be responsible for the management of the laboratory and controlled environment facilities at UKCEH Wallingford, supporting the important environmental science that we carry out. Working closely with the facilities management team and individual laboratory-based researchers, you will be responsible for the efficient running of our laboratory and field facilities. You will also work with our Quality Assurance Manager and Safety, Health and Environment Team to ensure that our facilities run efficiently, safely and to the required quality management standards needed for our researchers.

We are looking for a great teamworker and communicator with experience of laboratory practice gained in an academic, educational, or industrial research environment. You will have a degree in a science or engineering subject and be familiar with current HS&E legislation as it applies to working in a laboratory or workshop. You will know how to set up and use a range of laboratory equipment and have experience of its application for teaching or research.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Oversight of laboratory wing operations, maintaining/troubleshooting equipment, and fostering a productive, safe environment for scientists and technicians. As part of this, you will be responsible for arranging maintenance, calibration, and servicing laboratory instruments and required to stay updated on new technologies and environmental initiatives.

• Support the compliance and delivery of scientific research across UKCEH’s Science Areas through effective management of laboratory resources.

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to support operational decision-making and to provide advice to lab users and science leadership.

• Ensure laboratory compliance with internal and external audits and regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate documentation and supporting quality assurance initiatives.

• Provide and communicate advice to staff for the implementation and adherence to safety, health and environmental policies, procedures, and legislation. Offer solutions and serve as a point of contact for queries to promote a positive safety culture within the science laboratories.

• Provide laboratory inductions and training to staff, students and visitors to ensure a positive and safe working environment.

• Conduct audits of UKCEH laboratory activities against policies and management standards, identifying compliance gaps and recommending actions.

For the role of Laboratory Manager, we are looking for somebody who:

• Postgraduate degree or graduate with at least 3 years' equivalent skills and knowledge.

• Computer literacy and numeracy.

• Knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject.

• Knowledge and experience of general laboratory and/or workshop practice gained either in an academic or an industrial environment.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and technical skills.

• Knowledge and experience of implementation of current HS&E legislative requirements as they apply in a laboratory environment.

• Familiarity with setting up and using a wide range of laboratory and equipment for the purposes of teaching or research.

• An understanding of current safe systems of work for chemical, biological, and/or radiological safety would also be desirable.

Experience/proven abilities relating to the position:

• Ability to make effective decisions concerning the operation and management of laboratories, workshops, materials, and equipment.

• Ability to work as part of the broader UKCEH team, liaising effectively with Facilities and engineering staff and supporting science staff and students.

• High level of safety awareness.

• Effective communication to deliver instruction and guidance to members of the technical team and to students with varying experience.

• Effective decision making and conflict resolution skills.

Skills:

• Use of data analysis tools such as MS Excel

• Specialist knowledge of one or more technical areas of specific interest to the facility, such as, but not limited to, molecular biology, experimental ecology, or environmental chemistry.

• Ability to plan your own work and make independent decisions.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)

• 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers

• Flexible working opportunities

And much more…

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now with your cover letter.