Laboratory & Equipment Officer

Job summary The post-holder will act as a Laboratory and Equipment Officer who will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining the laboratories and equipment of the Vaccine Evaluation Unit (VEU). Main duties of the job The post holder will implement and manage the VEU laboratory and equipment management system ensuring that these systems become progressively more effective in quality terms and meet both regulatory and accreditation requirements. To assist in the operational management of the VEU to maintain an efficient and effective service and provide advice on quality issues.To encourage the highest professional standards through personal and staff development. Duties will be undertaken as agreed with the Head of the VEU, Deputy Head of the VEU, Quality Officer and within the context of the objectives of the VEU, United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), the Laboratory Medicine and Care Division (LMCD) and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. About us We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Details Date posted 14 September 2026 Pay scheme Other Salary £33,422 to £40,731 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-JP-300495-EXT Job locations Science Lab UKHSA Manchester, MRI, M13 9WZ M13 9WZ United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Your main duties will include: Laboratory and Equipment Management To be responsible for implementation, management and maintenance of the VEU laboratory and equipment management systems. To perform an active role in the procurement (Design Qualification) for new equipment. To manage and coordinate the Units laboratory and equipment to all established equipment qualification requirements in terms of servicing, maintenance, calibration and validation arrangements. To manage the Units laboratory and equipment records. To liaise with the relevant agencies and companies regarding laboratory and equipment issues including the needs and requirements of users. To provide help and advice to VEU Section Heads on laboratory and equipment management matters. To identify areas and particular projects that have the potential for improvement to laboratory and equipment, to the benefit of the service provided by the Units. To arrange for the issue, and maintenance, of relevant SOPs, policies and procedures. To provide and collate information periodically for management review. To participate in, liaise with and follow up on external inspections, correspond with accreditation agencies and verify the completion of corrective actions as required by the reports of the inspectors. To develop and maintain effective communication on all laboratory and equipment issues. To be aware of, and ensure compliance with, any relevant statutory requirements, standards and legislation. To participate, where appropriate, in local management meetings, assisting with decision making and policy implementation. To be proficient in data extraction and production of reports, including the use of spreadsheets to provide statistical information on laboratory and equipment. To work fully with the VEU, MMMP IT Manager, MMMP Quality Manager and others to enable provision of a robust service within the MMMP, applying escalation and contingency procedures as appropriate. To suggest and implement improvements to Unit policies and procedures. To ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of consumables. To assist in the supervision of qualified and unqualified staff and monitor their performance to ensure a high standard of work is maintained. To review complex or markedly abnormal results together with other relevant staff and technically validate the final report. To assist VEU Management in monitoring capability issues. To ensure adequate care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment. Clinical Governance To participate in audit processes, clinical trials, and research projects, as required. To assist in the management and monitoring of laboratory and equipment, and ensure the Unit maintains United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ISO 15189, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Cl