Programme Manager - Laboratory Operations (Microbiology)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Liverpool is seeking a Programme Manager - Laboratory Operations (Microbiology). This role involves leading the laboratory operations team, ensuring high standards in microbiology research, and managing multiple clinical research projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive laboratory leadership experience and a strong background in microbiological techniques. This position offers a competitive benefits package, including 30 days of annual leave.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted staff membership to sports centre

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading laboratory functions.
• Strong background in microbiological and molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory regulations and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead microbiological aspects of controlled human infection studies.
• Manage and develop laboratory operations team.
• Oversee clinical sample management and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Project management

Microbiological techniques

Organizational skills

Education

BSc or MSc in Biological Science

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled Programme Manager - Laboratory Operations (Microbiology) to join our Human Challenge Facility (HCF) within the Liverpool Vaccine Group (LVG). This senior role will lead our laboratory operations team, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance in microbiology research to support world-leading controlled human infection studies.

As a key member of the LVG Management Team, you will have overall responsibility for microbiological oversight, laboratory governance, capacity planning, and resource allocation across multiple clinical research projects. You will ensure the effective delivery of laboratory outputs, including preparation of study samples, management of challenge agents, and maintenance of robust quality systems in line with GCP and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities (not exhaustive):

• Lead all microbiological aspects of controlled human infection studies, from strain storage to inoculation and endpoint readouts.
• Manage and develop the laboratory operations team, ensuring appropriate training, competence, and workforce planning.
• Oversee clinical sample management, including quality control, traceability, and transfer to biobanks or safe disposal.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (HTA, GCP, HSE, GDPR), maintaining inspection readiness.
• Manage laboratory budgets, expenditure monitoring, and costing models to support research funding applications.
• Drive continuous improvement of laboratory systems, workflows, and biosafety practices.

You will possess

• A BSc or MSc in a Biological Science (e.g. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology) or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience of leading laboratory functions, with proven ability to manage people, projects, and resources.
• Strong background in microbiological and molecular biology techniques, with experience in Category 3 facilities and handling clinical samples.
• Knowledge of laboratory regulations and quality systems, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent organisational, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to deliver in complex, high-stakes environments.

(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification.)

Additional benefits of joining LSTM

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government backed "cycle to work" scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application Process

To apply for the position please upload your CV and Covering Letter.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Close Date: Tuesday 21 October

Interview Date: Monday 29 October

Inclusion and About LSTM

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies.