Biological Laboratory Manager

The Role VetHub is a £4.2m Innovation Cluster providing secure facilities to research Animal and Human Pathogens. The Facility is set in the heart of the Aberystwyth University campus with access to world leading academic expertise and state of the art laboratory equipment. VetHub has some of the best Containment Level 3 and Containment Level 2 facilities in the UK. VetHub works closely with the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis (CBTB), together these facilities enable cutting edge research in microbiology, immunology and microbial genetics and facilitate in-depth studies of host-pathogen interactions.

Aberystwyth University is seeking a highly organised and experienced Biological Laboratory Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of our Containment Level 2 (CL2) and Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratories in VetHub and CBTB. This pivotal role supports a diverse range of teaching, research, and commercial activities, ensuring that all laboratory operations meet the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.

The post-holder will act as the University's Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Safety Advisor, and Biological Safety Advisor, working closely with the University's Health, Safety and Environment team to maintain a safe and legally compliant working environment.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Amanda Gibson

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check.

What you'll do This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

The role holder will be responsible for:

• Fostering a positive HS&E laboratory culture across the university by building excellent working relationships, by involving, training and upskilling staff in an empowering way. The role holder will be expected to lead by example in all elements of the role and foster positive, collaborative working relationships across the university. The role holder will promote a culture of continuous quality improvement and regulatory compliance.

• Developing an inclusive and supportive team that fosters a positive culture where individuals are encouraged, respected and actively supported to contribute at all levels. Leading the team by example and setting operational goals in alignment with strategic objectives and empowering and upskilling the team to be highly effective and productive.

• Overseeing the smooth running of CL2 and CL3 laboratories in CBTB and VetHub, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness for teaching, research and commercial activities. Ensure compliance with biosafety and regulatory requirements for all laboratory activity. Managing laboratory spaces, overseeing CL3 shutdowns and servicing, CL3 inductions and competency to work assessments, and inventories and maintenance schedules.

• Be an active member of the Veterinary Research management team, providing strategic leadership and vision, professional expertise and insight.

• Undertaking external engagement to build collaborative projects and commercial links.

• Assisting the Health, Safety and Environment team by ensuring that all documentation are compliant with regulatory duties under SAPO, COSHH and GMOCU, are fully aligned, integrated into university H&S management systems and governance arrangements.

• Acting as Biological Safety Officer for the university and supporting the GM management arrangements.

• Providing specialist advice on the safe handling, storage, containment, disposal, and shipment of biological and GM materials.

• Building and delivering a programme of specialist training sessions internally and externally to ensure compliance across the university and satisfy HS&E requirements.

• Undertaking laboratory inspections, internal investigations, lessons learned exercises, as and when required.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Additional Responsibilities (Grades 6-8)

• Undertake other duties as assigned by your line manager, commensurate with the role's grade.
• Engage in university-level projects and initiatives as directed, and undertake any additional duties commensurate with the role, as assigned by the line manager.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key university events such as open days and graduation ceremonies which may include weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity, and to support and uphold the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• To support the university strategy and underlining plans, engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role, including undertaking relevant training and development activities to develop yourself and support the development of others.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role, while actively promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students as a member of the Aberystwyth community. Additionally, support the University's commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices and engagement.

The above does not represent an exhaustive list of duties associated with this role.

Who you are - Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required Essential

1. A degree or equivalent knowledge and experience in a science or engineering subject or equivalent work experience.
2. Experience of providing health & safety advice and support to an organisation, including development and implementation of effective risk management and process.
3. Extensive experience of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation as applied to the CL3 laboratory environment.
4. Knowledge and experience of working to the security requirements for the handling of pathogens and toxins and to undertake the role of the 'Laboratory Representative'.
5. Experience of developing risk assessments, codes of practice and standard operating procedures for work within CL3.
6. Experience of dealing with CL3 facilities handling HG3 human and/or animal pathogens (Specified Animal Pathogens Order) and organisms listed under Schedule 5.
7. Experience of working with ACDP Hazard Group 3 agents.
8. Experience of developing and providing training courses.
9. Knowledge of dangerous goods transportation regulations.
10. Line management experience, preferably in a scientific or technical/engineering environment.
11. Ability to provide strategic leadership across the university.
12. Excellent resource management and reliability under pressure.
13. Demonstrable record of undertaking personal continuing professional development to maintain key competencies required for the role and to keep abreast of current changes in biosafety and dangerous goods legislation.
14. Commitment to undertaking CPD in line with the role.
15. Excellent record keeping and administrative skills. An excellent communicator, able to provide effective technical instruction and guidance adapted to suit a range of levels of understanding.
16. Able to lead and motivate a team, to build highly productive working relationships, to resolve conflict.
17. Demonstrable willingness to deal with out of hours emergencies in the facility.
18. Commitment to enhanced security screening as required.
19. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually. Welsh language standard: A0.

Desirable

1. A postgraduate degree in a science or engineering subject.
2. NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, or other equivalent or higher qualification in health & safety management.
3. Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Health & Safety, or another equivalent accreditation.
4. Professional qualifications in the carriage of dangerous goods or a willingness to acquire them.
5. Occupational competence and academic qualification in the field of GMO, appropriate scientific and laboratory experience, with knowledge of the measures required to meet all the statutory provisions.
6. Experience with regulatory audits and inspections.
7. Experience of working with Bovine-TB (BTB).
8. Experience liaising with external clients, partners, or regulatory bodies.
9. Qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).
10. Experience supporting commercial research projects, contract work, or industry partnerships.
11. Experience of ISO 17025 Accreditation.
12. Demonstrable experience of being a team player - working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, and supporting others to ensure shared goals are achieved. Leading by example.
13. Experience of promoting togetherness, engagement and pushing boundaries.
14. Advanced first aid training qualification.
15. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B1.

More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

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