Technical Manager Role at The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL (Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available)

Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Salary: £43,374 – £51,860 per annum
Working Pattern: Full-time, On-site
Contract: Fixed-term (1 year)
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available
Application Deadline: 3rd June 2025

About The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL

The Bartlett School of Planning at University College London (UCL) is part of a world-class academic institution known for pioneering research and education in the built environment. Situated in the heart of London, UCL boasts an outstanding reputation for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and delivering impactful solutions to real-world challenges. The Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology (LMCB) division within UCL’s Faculty of Life Sciences is an internationally recognized research hub specializing in cell and tissue biology. It offers a vibrant, collaborative environment equipped with cutting-edge scientific technology, including advanced microscopy, high-content biology facilities, and partnerships with leading research centers.

Why Work as a Technical Manager at UCL?

Working as a Technical Manager at UCL offers a unique opportunity to support world-class scientific research in a leading university setting. This role is ideal for candidates with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for maintaining high standards of laboratory safety and operational efficiency. The position provides the chance to be involved in managing critical scientific infrastructure, leading a small technical team, and ensuring compliance with strict health and safety regulations, including oversight of an ACDP Category 2 virus lab.

Key benefits include:

Competitive salary package up to £51,860
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship for international candidates
Full-time, fixed-term role with strong career development potential
Access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities and technology
Opportunity to work on-site in London, a global scientific and cultural hub
Extensive employee benefits including pension schemes, holidays, childcare, and wellness programs

Role Overview: What Does a Technical Manager Do at UCL?

The Technical Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology’s scientific research programs. This full-time, on-site position involves a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory operations. The Technical Manager will lead health and safety management, oversee infrastructure and equipment maintenance, and supervise a dedicated technical team.

Core Responsibilities:

Health and Safety Leadership: Lead departmental health and safety programs, ensuring all statutory inspections, risk assessments, and safety training are delivered in accordance with regulatory standards. This includes responsibility as the Senior Fire Evacuation Marshal and close liaison with Biosciences Operations Teams.
Virus Lab Management: Manage the ACDP Category 2 virus laboratory, including ensuring compliance with biosafety regulations, facilitating risk assessments, and coordinating statutory health inspections.
Laboratory Infrastructure Oversight: Oversee laboratory space planning, maintenance schedules, and equipment servicing to maximize operational efficiency and safety.
Team Leadership: Supervise a team comprising two laboratory technicians and a stores officer, providing technical guidance and coordinating workflow.
Procurement and Vendor Relations: Manage purchasing of laboratory equipment and negotiate contracts for repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
Cross-Departmental Coordination: Act as the primary contact with Estates, Security, and other UCL central services to support facility management and operational needs.
Sustainability Initiatives: Collaborate with the Green Team to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility within the laboratory environment.

Detailed Job Responsibilities

Health and Safety Compliance and Risk Management

A cornerstone of the Technical Manager’s role is ensuring rigorous adherence to health and safety regulations. You will:

Conduct and oversee regular health and safety audits and inspections to identify hazards and enforce corrective measures.
Manage comprehensive risk assessments for laboratory activities, including chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
Deliver or coordinate health and safety training for laboratory personnel, maintaining records and compliance documentation.
Ensure the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials, maintain radiation safety reports, and monitor safety cabinet integrity.
Serve as Senior Fire Evacuation Marshal, planning and executing fire safety drills and managing emergency evacuation procedures.
Prepare and submit statutory health and safety documentation to regulatory bodies and internal committees.

Laboratory Facility and Equipment Management

Efficient laboratory operation requires close oversight of all infrastructure and equipment:

Schedule and supervise the servicing and maintenance of key laboratory instruments, including microscopy equipment, freezers, biosafety cabinets, and liquid nitrogen systems.
Coordinate with external contractors and suppliers to ensure timely repairs and equipment upgrades.
Implement space management plans to optimize laboratory layouts and storage, ensuring compliance with safety and operational guidelines.
Manage inventory of consumables and equipment, oversee the stores officer to maintain adequate stock levels.

Technical Team Leadership

Lead, motivate, and support a small team responsible for daily technical operations:

Delegate tasks and manage workload distribution among technicians and the stores officer.
Foster a collaborative and productive work environment aligned with UCL’s values of diversity and inclusion.
Provide training and development opportunities for technical staff to enhance skills and career growth.
Monitor team performance and contribute to recruitment and appraisal processes.

Regulatory Oversight of ACDP Category 2 Virus Lab

Managing a Category 2 virus lab involves specialized regulatory compliance:

Ensure the lab operates within the strict guidelines for containment and biosafety as defined by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP).
Maintain accurate records of laboratory access, usage, and incident reports.
Coordinate with UCL’s Biosafety Officer and relevant authorities to schedule inspections and implement recommended improvements.

Who Should Apply? Required Qualifications and Skills

To succeed as a Technical Manager at UCL, candidates should demonstrate:

Health and Safety Expertise: Proven experience conducting audits, risk assessments, and managing safety compliance in laboratory settings.
Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of laboratory equipment maintenance, biosafety regulations, and facility management.
Leadership Experience: Previous supervisory experience, ideally managing technical staff in a research or scientific environment.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot equipment faults, manage emergencies, and implement practical solutions quickly.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, contractors, and university departments.
Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure deadlines are met.
Physical Stamina: Capacity to undertake physically demanding tasks and be active on your feet for significant parts of the day.
Desirable: Experience supporting operations in multi-laboratory buildings and knowledge of handling radioactive materials.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship – What It Means for You

This role offers Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, opening opportunities for talented international candidates seeking to work in the UK. UCL is a licensed sponsor authorized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), allowing qualified applicants without UK work rights to apply and relocate. This sponsorship includes:

Visa application support and guidance
Immigration loan for visa fees and relocation costs
Access to UCL’s relocation schemes and support services

International professionals with a background in technical management, laboratory operations, or scientific facility management are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of Working at UCL

UCL offers an attractive benefits package designed to promote well-being, work-life balance, and career development:

Generous Holiday Entitlement: 41 days total (27 annual leave days, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days) plus an option to purchase additional leave.
Pension Scheme: Defined benefit career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension providing financial security.
Health and Wellness: On-site gym facilities, discounted medical insurance, and comprehensive employee assistance programs.
Workplace Flexibility: UCL’s Ways of Working framework supports flexible working arrangements and promotes inclusive work culture.
Childcare Support: On-site nursery facilities to help working parents.
Relocation Assistance: Available for eligible posts to ease the transition to London life.
Sustainability Commitment: Opportunities to participate in UCL’s Green Team and contribute to sustainability initiatives.

For full details, visit UCL Rewards and Benefits.

The UCL Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

UCL is proud to be London’s Global University, actively fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The institution values creativity and innovation born from diverse perspectives and encourages applications from candidates who are traditionally underrepresented, including:

Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds
Disabled individuals
LGBTQI+ community members
Women, especially for senior roles

The Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for advancing gender equality. UCL promotes a workplace where all staff feel respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Learn more at UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

How to Apply for the Technical Manager Position at UCL

Interested candidates should prepare a tailored CV and cover letter demonstrating how their skills and experience match the role requirements. Emphasize relevant technical and leadership achievements, health and safety expertise, and familiarity with laboratory operations.

To apply, visit the official job listing on the UCL careers portal and submit your application before the deadline: 3rd June 2025.

Apply Here

For application queries, accessibility requests, or recruitment process questions, contact Renata Adamcova at r.adamcova@ucl.ac.uk.

Final Thoughts: Why This Role is a Unique Career Opportunity

The Technical Manager position at The Bartlett School of Planning, UCL, offers a rare combination of technical challenge, leadership responsibility, and the chance to work at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. It is a role designed for skilled professionals eager to make a meaningful impact on scientific research by ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

If you thrive in dynamic, high-stakes environments and want to contribute to cutting-edge research in London, this role could be your next career milestone — especially with the advantage of skilled worker visa sponsorship, making it accessible for talented candidates worldwide.