Chemical & Biological Technical Team Leader (Newcastle, GB) presso Newcastle University

Salary: £35,608.00 - £37,694.00  with progression to £46,049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 06 October 2025

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to lead and manage a team of technicians who support our chemical and biological teaching and research activities and manage the associated equipment and facilities in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University

The chemical and biological facilities within environmental and mechanical engineering form part of an integrated School of Engineering where we work alongside other engineering groups and their technical teams. Our highly skilled and professional technical colleagues are essential in supporting and delivering successful teaching and research activities to an international standard.  We have approximately 75 technicians employed within the School of Engineering working on both our campus and off-site facilities across the Northeast of England. We have expertise that spans a wide range of disciplines that make a fundamental contribution towards Newcastle University’s impact on the world.

As Technical Team Leader you will be responsible for managing a team of technicians and the day-to-day running of multiple chemical and biological laboratories. You will:

•    provide specialist technical expertise across the chemical and biological labs (some of which are CAT II containment level).
•    be responsible for the planning, design, delivery and safe operation of technical resources.
•    be responsible for providing an efficient service for all lab users including academic staff, research staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students.
•    manage all aspects of the lab operations including contributing to the strategic direction of teaching and provision of specialist advice.
•    provide and support training to all service users.
•    be responsible for health and safety processes within your area of responsibility.

You will be supported by and report to the Technical Operations Manager and will lead on key initiatives across the disciplines and the wider school.

You will be proactive, approachable and flexible, with a strong background in lab management and health and safety. You will be highly organised, an excellent communicator and be able to develop the role to meet the requirements of the school.

You will be responsible for the planning, organisation and management of the school’s chemical and biological laboratories in your designated areas of responsibility and expertise. You will be the line manager to the relevant technical staff within their area, ensuring a comprehensive service which meets the school’s objectives. This will include supporting academic, research staff and students with technical advice to progress research and teaching projects.

You will also support the School Technical Operations Manager in the management of the wider technical services provision which includes aspects of infrastructure, estates, environmental and health and safety management.

We are extremely keen to hear from any candidates who are interested in a rewarding and progressive career in higher education and lab management in technical services; in particular anyone with a biological or chemical background acquired through experience or vocational training. 

For informal enquiries please contact Donna Swan, Technical Operations Manager by e-mail at [email protected]

To apply please upload a CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out in ‘The Person’ section of the job description.

Key Accountabilities

• To lead, manage and develop a technical team, ensuring effective performance. This will include responsibility for staff induction, training and development, performance management and performance development review, the allocation and prioritisation of duties, recruitment and authorisation of annual leave. 
• Support the School Technical Operations Manager with the planning, organisation and administration of space, infrastructure, the estate and wider technical services within their teams area of responsibilty. To ensure the effective maintenance, security and facility management, acting as a key contact for Estates, Security and Health and Safety. Lead on discrete estates related projects, including university wide initiatives. 
• Ensure satisfactory management, maintenance and calibration of equipment and instrumentation within their area. To assist in the forward planning to upgrade and replace equipment and assist in the maintainenace of the school’s equipment asset register for financial and insurance purposes. 
• Monitor and maintain a safe working environment, as well as managing and organising regular team meetings, health and safety meetings and laboratory inspections. Write, review and implement local guidelines and procedures. Lead on team safety issues and ensure safe working practices throughout their area of responsibility. 
• To manage and organise teaching and research laboratories to ensure the safe, secure and effective operation of these facilities. Liaising with academic stakeholders to ensure uniform and consistent delivery of teaching and research. Providing training to staff and students in chemical and biological laboratory techniques relevant to their area of responsibility.
• Ensure sound financial accounting, whilst maintaining best value principles by maintaining records relating to the recharging of technical staff time where appropriate; and managing allocated budgets and expenditure.
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience of managing or supporting a team of technical staff in a chemical and biological lab environment.
• Experience of managing or supporting multiple chemical and biological laboratories and their associated infrastructure, inventories, instrumentation, equipment and sustainable practises simultaneoulsy, whilst prioritising capabilities.
• Experience of using an array of analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis.
• Up to date and detailed knowledge of health and safety policy and procedures in a lab setting. Including extensive experience of writing risk assessements and standard operating procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of biosafety, in particular safe use and management of category II containment facilities.
• Ability to implement and manage change with demonstrable recent experience and skills in staff management, and the ability to motivate and develop members of a team.
• Can demonstrate excellent planning, organising and technical problem-solving skills, with a proactive and innovative approach, utilising excellent prioritisation skills, and the ability to delegate tasks.
• Evidence of lab systems project management and managing associated budgets.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Good numerical skills and the ability to manipulate, analyse and present useful information.

Attributes and Behavior 

• Displays a flexible attitude to team tasks and priorities, with a willingness to help others and share workloads with clear communications.
• Works collaboratively with others and is a positive role model to their team and will support their development.
• Establishes strong stakeholder relationships and respects the expertise and contribution of others.
• Works in a planned and structured way with good attention to detail.
• Ensures that all activities are completed on time and can prioritise tasks accordingly, optimising resource use, and maintaining high standards or service.
• Strives to deliver high quality results by embracing change and developing and implementing new ideas to improve technical services and systems.
• A proactive and innovative approach to problem solving. 

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant biological or chemical subject plus experience in a similar role or significant technical experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding, relevant roles.

Desirable

• Full UK driver’s license

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28530