Environmental Sustainability Officer

Environmental Sustainability Officer - Operations Group - Estates and Facilities (LMB 2791)

Open Date: 12/03/2026, 08:00
Close Date: 09/04/2026, 23:55

Location: Cambridge
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 20 months
Job Type: Administration & Management, Full Time

Unit: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), Cambridge. The LMB is a world leading institute in molecular biology, housing cutting edge research in protein crystallography, cryo electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The Operations Group supports the scientific divisions by maintaining core infrastructure and services.

Overall purpose

As Environmental Sustainability Officer, you will drive improvements in environmental sustainability within the LMB, reducing the environmental impact of cutting edge research and helping the organisation meet UKRI's sustainability targets.

Main duties / Key responsibilities

• Lead and administer the LMB's Green Committee and Lab Sustainability team.
• Work with researchers to reduce environmental impact in laboratories, animal husbandry and other facilities, using relevant sustainability standards.
• Train new staff and students in sustainable practices.
• Develop and introduce best practices to lower staff and research impact.
• Generate promotional material, organise events/competitions, write newsletters and engage on social media to disseminate these practices.
• Monitor engagement with sustainability initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Integrate sustainability into the departure process for staff and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with Suppliers, Stores Manager and researchers to reduce the environmental impact of purchased products.
• Improve waste segregation and implement initiatives to reduce waste.
• Enhance biodiversity on site by managing small projects with Estates and Facilities staff.
• Communicate sustainability achievements to stakeholders and report progress to senior Managers and the MRC Sustainability Team.
• Identify and apply for grants for new sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with environmental leads across MRC institutes, UKRI and external stakeholders to share best practice and coordinate projects.

Working relationships

• Operational teams - reduce energy, water usage, improve waste segregation and biodiversity.
• Researchers, research groups and animal technicians - lessen research impact.
• Sustainability Officers at other MRC institutes, the MRC Sustainability Team and the UKRI environmental community - report and share successes.
• Suppliers and contractors - develop lower impact supply chains and shape services.

Person Specification Education / qualifications / training required

• Essential: Degree level qualification in a life science related subject or environmental sustainability, or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: Work experience in an environmental sustainability related field.

Knowledge and experience

• Essential: Knowledge of current UK sustainability landscape and principles in biological research laboratories; demonstrable experience supporting or implementing sustainability in an organisation.
• Desirable: Experience in a laboratory environment; managing or coordinating sustainable improvement projects; reporting data to meet sustainability accreditations or standards.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities

• Passion for environmental sustainability.
• Desire to forge a career in sustainability.
• Proactive approach to implementing sustainability ideas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build enduring relationships at all levels.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Analytical and reporting proficiency.
• Ability to work independently.
• High IT literacy, proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Flexible approach to work, willing to travel occasionally.

Further information

Carry out responsibilities in compliance with UKRI policies: Code of Conduct, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety, and Data Protection.

Security screening/vetting is required for the role; UKRI may re run clearance during employment.

EEO statement

We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people with disabilities, to apply. As 'Disability Confident' employers, candidates who opt into the scheme and meet essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview.