Lab Manager (Maternity Cover)

Starting salary offered at £43,981 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

We are looking for an individual who combines strong scientific understanding with excellent operational and relationship-management skills.

You will have:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Practical experience working within a research laboratory environment.
• Strong knowledge of molecular and cell biology and laboratory techniques.
• Experience managing stakeholders across research teams and external partners.
• A good understanding of laboratory health and safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in laboratory management, line management, project management, higher education and the use of university finance systems would be advantageous

This maternity cover role offers a unique opportunity to gain leadership experience within a complex research-intensive institute while contributing directly to cutting-edge scientific research and education. You will work closely with senior academic and professional services leaders and benefit from being part of the wider technical and professional services community across UCL's Faculty of Brain Sciences.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, with a dotted line to the Institute Director, you will lead the day-to-day management of shared laboratories and associated research facilities across the Institute. You will work closely with academic, technical and professional services colleagues to ensure laboratories remain safe, compliant, well-equipped and fully operational.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing all shared laboratory facilities and identifying opportunities for service improvement.
• Overseeing laboratory equipment procurement, maintenance, servicing and calibration.
• Acting as a key contact for laboratory refurbishment, relocation and infrastructure projects.
• Leading on laboratory health and safety compliance, audits, inspections, inductions and risk management.
• Supporting sustainability initiatives, including LEAF and Green Impact activities.
• Managing laboratory databases, records and inventory systems.
• Overseeing laboratory-related procurement and expenditure, ensuring value for money and compliance with UCL procedures.
• Line managing a Cell and Molecular Laboratory Technician.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position for 13 months. The post has been created to provide cover during a period of maternity leave and is expected to end on the return of the substantive post-holder or at the end of the fixed-term period, whichever is sooner. The post is also available as a secondment opportunity for eligible internal applicants, subject to agreement from their current line manager.

For an informal discussion, please contact Aisling Muller at aisling.muller@ucl.ac.uk