Chemical & Biological Technical Team Leader

**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.

**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