Research & Education Facilities Manager (Insectaries/SAPO)

LSTM; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

LSTM is seeking a Research & Education Facilities Manager to oversee laboratory and research operations in Liverpool. This role involves ensuring safety compliance and supporting innovative research and teaching within specialized facilities, while promoting sustainability and operational excellence. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, pension schemes, and more.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience managing Containment Level 2 laboratories and working in insectaries.
• Knowledge of safety frameworks (SAPO, GMOs, Schedule 5).

Responsibilities

• Managing daily operations and safety compliance for research facilities.
• Supporting propagation and maintenance of insect colonies.
• Coordinating safety documentation and maintaining records.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

BSc in a biological subject

Postgraduate or professional qualification

Job description

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Research & Education Facilities Manager (Insectaries/SAPO), Liverpool

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Client:

LSTM

Location:

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

9c9f308bba4c

Job Views:

8

Posted:

25.06.2025

Expiry Date:

09.08.2025

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Job Description:

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