Laboratory and Quality Manager Visa Sponsorship UK

Job Description

The Laboratory and Quality Manager position is based within VetHub1, a state-of-the-art innovation cluster at Aberystwyth University. This £4.2 million facility specializes in secure research on animal and human pathogens, featuring advanced Containment Level 2 (CL2) and Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratories. Situated on the university campus, VetHub1 provides access to leading academic experts and cutting-edge equipment. It collaborates closely with the Sêr Cymru Centre of Excellence for Bovine TB, supporting pioneering work in microbiology, immunology, microbial genetics, and host-pathogen interactions.

This new role supports the launch of an animal disease diagnostic testing centre within VetHub1. The centre aims to deliver fast, dependable, high-quality diagnostic services that meet regional and national needs. It will contribute to animal health surveillance, strengthen teaching and research activities, and serve the public by enabling early detection and monitoring of emerging diseases. A key focus is establishing and upholding robust quality management systems, particularly ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals interested in a secondment arrangement.

• Salary: £59,966 – £67,468 per annum (pro rata if applicable)
• Contract: Fixed-term for 2 years initially
• Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours per week)
• Location: Aberystwyth University, VetHub1
• Visa Sponsorship: Available under the Skilled Worker Route
• Reference: 6084
• Posted: 26 January 2026
• Closing Date: 8 February 2026

Key Responsibilities

You will play a central role in building and operating the new diagnostic service, from initial planning through to full delivery and accreditation.

Planning and Development

• Help shape the diagnostic service from concept to launch, including achieving and sustaining UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to hit project milestones.
• Assess existing CL2/CL3 laboratory setup and oversee procurement of equipment and necessary upgrades.
• Establish and maintain quality management systems (including ISO 17025 compliance), covering data validation, risk management, SOPs, policies, and procedures.
• Recruit and manage staff as the service grows.

Day-to-Day Operations and Leadership

• Oversee smooth running of the veterinary research and diagnostic facilities.
• Drive continuous improvement, deliver training, and foster a strong culture of quality, safety, and compliance.
• Train staff (new and existing) in techniques and ensure ongoing competence.
• Perform hands-on lab work in high-containment (ACDP3/SAPO3/Schedule 5) and CL2 settings, including classical virology, molecular methods (PCR, sequencing), and serology (virus neutralisation, ELISA).
• Manage delivery of a UKAS-accredited diagnostic testing service for animal diseases.
• Conduct internal audits, manage document control, prepare for external audits/inspections (UKAS, HSE), and ensure supplier/subcontractor compliance.
• Lead management reviews, monitor quality control charts, participate in proficiency testing, and handle non-conformances, complaints, and corrective actions.
• Provide expert guidance on biosafety, good laboratory practice, and quality standards.
• Identify risks, improvements, and opportunities; present recommendations to senior management.
• Review and update risk assessments and SOPs for accredited tests.
• Analyse data for accreditation purposes and present at internal/external meetings.

General Duties

• Commit to personal and professional development, including relevant training.
• Promote health, safety, wellbeing, equality, diversity, inclusion, and the university’s environmental sustainability goals.
• Carry out other reasonable duties aligned with the role’s grade.
• Be flexible for occasional out-of-hours emergencies, weekend/bank holiday work (on rota during surges/outbreaks), evening events, and national/international travel.

This outline is not exhaustive; the role may evolve to meet university needs and support professional growth.

Essential Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in biological/biomedical sciences or relevant field.
• Proven laboratory management experience, preferably in a diagnostic setting.
• Hands-on experience working to ISO 17025 standards.
• Track record in developing or supporting laboratory quality management systems for accreditation, including risk assessments and SOP creation.
• Ability (or willingness) to work in high-containment ACDP Hazard Group 3 / SAPO / Schedule 5 environments.
• Familiarity with electronic sample/test management systems (e.g., LIMS), including troubleshooting and resolution.
• Solid knowledge of biosafety regulations and compliance.
• Experience offering health & safety guidance.
• Readiness for security clearance, occupational health surveillance, relevant vaccinations, and out-of-hours emergency response.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and compliant lab culture.
• Willingness for shift/rota work (including weekends/bank holidays) as required for service demands.
• Awareness of the university’s bilingual environment (Welsh/English).

Desirable Attributes

• Deep knowledge of infectious diseases and containment practices.
• Postgraduate qualification in microbiology, infectious diseases, or related area.
• Experience with regulatory audits/inspections.
• Formal biosafety officer training or prior BSO/Deputy BSO role.
• Practical work in CL3 labs with ACDP Hazard Group 3 pathogens.
• Expertise in GMO work and compliance.
• Mentoring or supporting junior staff/students in labs.
• Welsh language skills at B1 level or higher (more on Welsh levels: Aberystwyth University Welsh Language Standards).

How to Apply

Submit applications via the university’s jobs portal at jobs.aber.ac.uk. We accept submissions in Welsh or English—both treated equally. The university supports flexible working (full-time, part-time, job share, term-time only).

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Amanda Gibson (amg39@aber.ac.uk) or Jackie Sayce (jqs@aber.ac.uk).
Successful candidates will undergo a satisfactory DBS check, medical surveillance, and (if needed) government security clearance. Appointments typically occur 4–8 weeks after closing.

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• 36.5-hour full-time week
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays + university closure days
• Professional development support
• Strong workplace pension contributions
• Staff recognition schemes
• Free Welsh language learning
• Relocation bursary (where applicable)
• Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, parental, adoption)
• Campus discounts (gym, hospitality, retail)

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, people with disabilities, and women. Aberystwyth University is a bilingual institution committed to equality and the Welsh Language Standards.

Employment Visa Sponsorship

This role qualifies for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route. Aberystwyth University can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), but will not cover visa fees for the candidate or dependants.

Applicants need at least 70 points:

• Mandatory (50 points): Valid job offer from a licensed sponsor (20), skill level met (20), English language knowledge (10).
• Tradeable (to reach 70): Salary threshold met (typically 20), relevant PhD (10–20 depending on field), or role on Shortage Occupation List (20).

Full details on the Skilled Worker visa, including English requirements and more, are available on the official GOV.UK site: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Join us in delivering vital diagnostic services and advancing animal health research in a world-class facility!