Research & Education Facilities Manager (Insectaries/SAPO)

Lstmed; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in tropical medicine is seeking a Research & Education Facilities Manager to oversee laboratory operations and ensure compliance with safety standards. This role offers the opportunity to support vital research and educational activities in insectaries, contributing significantly to tropical health advancements.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted staff membership at sports centre

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in managing Containment Level 2 laboratories and working in insectaries.
• Strong knowledge of containment and safety frameworks (SAPO, GMOs, Schedule 5).
• Commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Managing daily operations of insectaries and laboratories.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations such as HTA, GM, SAPO.
• Supporting propagation and maintenance of insect colonies.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

BSc in a biological subject

Postgraduate qualification or specialist knowledge

Tools

Laboratory equipment

SOP writing

Job description

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Research & Education Facilities Manager (Insectaries/SAPO)

The Department of Clinical Sciences at LSTM is seeking to appoint a Research & Education Facilities Manager (Insectaries/SAPO) to oversee the safe and efficient operation of specialist laboratory and research facilities. This permanent position offers an excellent opportunity to support cutting-edge research and teaching activities within insectaries, in vivo facilities, and laboratories at one of the world’s leading institutions in tropical medicine.

You will act as the first point of contact for users, ensure compliance with GM/containment regulations, and work closely with the Health & Safety Office. You will support propagation of insect colonies, coordinate infrastructure and space management, chair user group meetings, and contribute to green operational practices.

This is a key role in ensuring safe, productive research environments and maintaining high operational standards across research and education facilities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing daily operations, safety compliance, and access for insectaries, in vivo research facilities, and associated laboratories
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and legislation, including HTA, GM, SAPO, ACDP categories, and Schedule 5
• Supporting propagation and maintenance of insect colonies
• Coordinating safety documentation with PIs and maintaining records of inspections, incidents, and service visits
• Advising on infrastructure maintenance, equipment upkeep, and space allocation
• Delivering training, inductions, and competence assessments for staff, students, and contractors
• Overseeing lab access permissions and documentation
• Supporting the delivery of field-based teaching activities within core hours, with occasional flexible working
• Leading sustainable operational initiatives and promoting environmental best practices
• Acting as a liaison point for research teams and collaborating with the Health & Safety Office on incident response planning
• Participating in audits, user meetings, and contributing to health & safety, equality, and safeguarding policies

This role may occasionally require working outside core hours to support teaching or research timelines, for which time off in lieu will be offered.

The successful candidate will possess:

• A BSc in a biological subject with microbiological or entomological experience, or equivalent experience
• A postgraduate or professional qualification or specialist knowledge gained through training and experience
• Practical experience managing Containment Level 2 laboratories and working in insectaries
• Experience with laboratory equipment, writing SOPs, and regulatory documentation
• Strong working knowledge of containment and safety frameworks (SAPO, GMOs, Schedule 5, ACDP categories)
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage varied tasks and collaborate across academic and technical teams
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and improving operational efficiency
• Commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability, and inclusion

(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
• A range of additional family-friendly policies

Application Process: To apply for the position, please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

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

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 in 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 in the least resourced countries of the tropics and sub-tropics.

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies.