Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Manager

Location: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT

Contract & job type: Full-time, fixed-term for 2 years in the first instance

About us:
At the Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) we undertake discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Overview of the role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Laboratory Manager to join a dynamic and innovative research team. This role supports the day-to-day operation, organisation, and scientific output of the laboratory.
You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient daily functioning of the laboratory. This includes ensuring high standards of health and laboratory safety compliance, ordering and managing consumables, overseeing laboratory organisation, and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. You will play a key role in training and supporting group members in experimental techniques and best laboratory practices. You will also assist team members in performing research projects.
Applicants should have a background in Life Sciences, namely Neuroscience or Molecular Biology or Molecular Genetics, and have specific research skills in mouse colony management, mouse genotyping, mammalian cell culture, image analysis, single cell sequencing, as well as fluorescent imaging, and clearing methods. A broad skill set in molecular and cellular biology and excellent organisation and communication skills are essential.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage lab spaces and stocks and place consumables orders.
• Conduct laboratory work and supervise laboratory work of undergraduate students.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
• Train group members in use of equipment and experimental techniques.
• Maintain lab hardware and software infrastructure.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Maintain a high level of operational efficiency ensuring sufficient cleaning and decontamination is undertaken.
• Ensure all group members have adequate PPE and receive relevant inductions and training for safe laboratory work.
• Assist with practicing and following home office licence guidelines, namely BMS annual returns

Selection criteria:

• Educated to degree level in a biological science subject
• Relevant technical experience in the field of pathogen sequencing and laboratory management.
• Training and/or experience operating robotic systems for liquid handling, nucleic acid extraction, and next generation sequencers (especially Illumina and PacBio).
• Training and experience working autonomously in facilities that handle potentially dangerous pathogens
• Experience leading administrative lab duties including use of database systems for sample curation, writing and maintaining version-controlled protocols, using LIMS, using electronic laboratory records, writing risk assessment, consumables stock management.
• Experience with a range of nucleic acid extraction protocols, library preparation methods for unbiased conversion of total nucleic acid libraries, bait enrichment, and sequencing using different sequencer technologies.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the molecular principles behind next generation sequencing, including extraction, library preparation, specific enrichment and depletion protocols. Be able to call on core training in the field and/or experience in order to process high-value, high-throughput projects at pace, identify problems and troubleshoot, with a degree of autonomy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues at all levels and third-party providers.
• Experience of promoting collaborative research environments for people from different backgrounds.

What we offer:
Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

How to apply:
Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria along with your CV, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 22/05/2026.
Interviews are likely to take place during the week commencing 08/06/2026, and will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford.
Follow us: Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and Instagram to learn more about our work and culture. Informal enquiries about the role may be directed to the DPAG HR Team: hr@dpag.ox.ac.uk

DPAG’s Statement of Inclusion: We, as a Department and Community, will be considerate and welcoming of all people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic background. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these impact us, and those around us, personally and professionally. Our policies, practices and Respectful Behaviours Framework underpin this commitment.
DPAG and Sustainability: We have signed up to The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Green Impact, actively implementing and encouraging eco-friendly practices that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and promote bio-diversity. See the job description for more detail.