Operational Lead NCTC

UK Health Security Agency; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health agency in London is looking for an NCTC Operational Lead to oversee laboratory operations, manage quality control processes, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. The successful candidate will lead training programs and contribute to service improvements. Applicants should have a relevant degree and experience in laboratory management. This role promotes an inclusive culture and encourages diverse applications while ensuring effective and safe laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing laboratory operations and compliance.
• Expertise in quality control processes and safety regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and train staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise NCTC laboratory operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Manage staffing and training for operational effectiveness.
• Act as Laboratory Safety Officer ensuring health and safety.
• Contribute to business planning and service improvements.

Skills

Laboratory Management

Quality Control

Training and Development

Health and Safety Compliance

Operational Leadership

Education

Relevant Degree in Biological Sciences

Job description

The Culture Collections is a Biological Resource Centre that provides a service maintaining and supplying strains of cultured cells and microorganisms for public health research. It is structured as a fully integrated service, underpinning science with significant scientific, manufacturing and business activities and operates from laboratories across UKHSA and from a specialist cryo‑storage facility on the Porton site. The NCTC Operational Lead will oversee technical and laboratory operations for the manufacture, quality control, and maintenance of NCTC collection and associated services. This role ensures service delivery meets agreed quality standards, is safe, effective, and economical. The post holder will manage staffing, training, and business operations within the laboratory, deputise for the Lead Quality Assurance Manager, and provide professional leadership to operational staff. Reporting to the Head of Culture Collections, the Operational Lead will:

• Plan, organise, and supervise NCTC manufacturing and quality control processes
• Maintain compliance with UKHSA policies, regulatory standards, and quality systems
• Manage operational staff, training programmes, and performance reviews
• Contribute to service improvement, business planning, and income generation
• Act as Laboratory Safety Officer and ensure health and safety compliance, Production & Quality Control
• Maintain separation of production and quality control functions
• Manage manufacturing schedules, stock levels, and banking operations at Containment Levels 2 and 3 in compliance with current policies and procedures
• Oversee batch records, calibrations, and quality testing internally and externally
• Implement production planning and banking strategies for inventory continuity
• People Management & Training
• Devise and maintain a training programme for NCTC operational staff
• Supervise and train operational staff; maintain competency and safety standards across the team
• Conduct performance appraisals and development plans
• Participate in recruitment, induction, and disciplinary processes
• Develop professional/supervisory expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required

Health, Safety & Security

• Act as Laboratory Safety Officer; ensure compliance with UKHSA health and safety policies
• Conduct risk assessments, implement corrective actions, and report incidents
• Participate in safety audits and maintain a safe working environment
• Take responsibility for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in NCTC
• Notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions
• Comply to legislation and regulations relevant to managing a Containment Level 2 and 3 laboratory

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.