Laboratory & Equipment Officer – UKHSA Manchester
Certificate of Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants are welcome to apply. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered alongside other applications.
Applicants should still ensure they meet the relevant immigration, qualification, salary and role eligibility requirements. The position also requires Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) security clearance, which normally requires applicants to have lived in the UK for the previous three years. A shorter period of UK residence does not automatically prevent clearance, but applicants with less UK residency should contact the vacancy holder for advice.
Job Details
- Job title: Laboratory & Equipment Officer
- Employer: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- Location: UKHSA Manchester, MRI, M13 9WZ
- Salary: £33,422 – £40,731 per year, pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, job share or flexible working
- Work setting: Laboratory-based
- Hybrid working: Not available
- Vacancies: Not specified
- Date posted: 14 September 2026
- Closing date: 28 September 2026
- Reference: 919-JP-300495-EXT
About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency is seeking a Laboratory & Equipment Officer to oversee the laboratories and equipment used by the Vaccine Evaluation Unit (VEU) in Manchester.
The successful candidate will help manage laboratory and equipment systems, ensuring they remain effective, compliant with regulatory and accreditation requirements, and capable of supporting a safe and efficient service.
The role involves working closely with scientific, clinical, technical and support teams, as well as external suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, accreditation bodies, NHS organisations and academic institutions.
Accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to work independently are important for this position.
Key Responsibilities
The Laboratory & Equipment Officer will:
- Manage and maintain the VEU laboratory and equipment management systems.
- Coordinate equipment servicing, maintenance, calibration and validation.
- Support the procurement and qualification of new laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate laboratory and equipment records.
- Liaise with suppliers, external agencies and equipment users to resolve issues.
- Advise VEU Section Heads and colleagues on laboratory and equipment management.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory systems, equipment and service delivery.
- Maintain relevant SOPs, policies and procedures.
- Prepare information, reports and statistical data for management review.
- Support external inspections, accreditation activities and corrective actions.
- Ensure laboratory activities comply with relevant legislation, standards and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in management meetings and contribute to policy implementation.
- Work with IT and quality management teams to maintain a reliable laboratory service.
- Monitor consumable supplies and ensure effective use of resources.
- Assist with the supervision and development of staff.
- Support the review of complex or abnormal results and technical validation where required.
- Ensure laboratory premises and equipment are properly maintained and secure.
Clinical Governance and Quality
The post holder will contribute to audit, clinical trials and research projects and help ensure the Unit operates in accordance with relevant quality and regulatory frameworks, including:
- UKAS ISO 15189
- Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
- MHRA requirements for GCP laboratories
The role will also involve investigating laboratory and equipment-related incidents, supporting corrective actions and contributing to effective communication across the Unit.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will support training and professional development within the Unit, including:
- Coordinating supervision and competency assessment where required.
- Supporting continuing professional development.
- Helping develop and maintain the VEU training plan.
- Providing or assisting with staff training.
- Completing mandatory training.
- Maintaining an individual professional development plan and discussing development needs with the line manager.
Requirements / Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have:
- BSc Honours degree in an appropriate biological science subject or equivalent qualification.
- Experience using laboratory computer systems.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, as well as internet and email applications.
- Basic scientific mathematics knowledge.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to work independently without constant supervision.
- The ability to communicate effectively with staff at different levels, both within and outside the Unit.
- Flexibility to work the hours necessary to perform the role effectively.
Desirable Criteria
The following would be advantageous:
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
- Knowledge of UKAS ISO 15189 and GxP requirements within a scientific environment.
- Understanding of clinical governance.
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation.
Working Pattern
This is a permanent laboratory-based position offering:
- Full-time working
- Part-time working
- Job share
- Flexible working
The role is based at UKHSA Manchester, MRI, M13 9WZ. The advert specifically states that hybrid working is not available.
Visa / Right-to-Work
The employer confirms that applications requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants.
However, sponsorship does not guarantee that every applicant will qualify for a visa. Candidates must meet the relevant UK immigration requirements and the role must satisfy the applicable sponsorship conditions.
Candidates requiring overseas criminal record checks may also need to provide certificates covering countries where they have lived for the required period.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must pass the required security checks before appointment.
The position requires:
- A basic DBS check.
- Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.
For national security vetting, applicants would normally be expected to have been resident in the UK for the previous three years. Candidates with less UK residency may still be considered, but should contact the vacancy holder or recruiting manager for advice.
Application / Selection Process
The recruitment process uses a competency-based assessment of qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and abilities.
Stage 1: Application and Sift
Applicants must complete the online application form and provide a 1,500-word supporting statement explaining how their skills, knowledge and experience meet the essential criteria.
The application form should contain detailed employment and activity history because applicants cannot upload a CV.
Applications may initially be longlisted according to whether candidates meet all, some or none of the essential criteria.
Where there are large numbers of suitable applicants, shortlisting will particularly consider:
- BSc Honours degree in an appropriate biological subject.
- Laboratory computer systems experience and IT skills.
- Communication skills.
Stage 2: Interview
Successful applicants will progress to interview and assessment.
The interview is expected to be face-to-face at the Manchester laboratory, although a remote interview may be offered in exceptional circumstances.
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 12 October 2026, although these dates may change.
Deadline
Applications close: 28 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
FAQs
Does this job offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship?
Yes. The advert states that applicants who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered alongside other applicants.
Is this job based in Manchester?
Yes. The role is based at UKHSA Manchester, MRI, M13 9WZ.
Can I work remotely or use hybrid working?
No. The advert specifically states that hybrid working is not available because the position is laboratory based.
What is the salary?
The advertised salary is £33,422 to £40,731 per year, pro rata.
Is the position permanent?
Yes. This is a permanent position.
Can I apply for part-time work?
Yes. The vacancy allows full-time, part-time, job share and flexible working arrangements.
What qualification is required?
The essential qualification is a BSc Honours degree in an appropriate biological degree or an equivalent qualification.
Is previous laboratory experience required?
The essential criteria include experience with laboratory computer systems and comprehensive IT skills. Candidates should carefully demonstrate relevant laboratory, scientific and systems experience in their supporting statement.
Is security clearance required?
Yes. Successful candidates must pass a basic DBS check and meet the requirements for Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.
Can applicants who have not lived in the UK for three years apply?
The advert indicates that applicants with less than three years of UK residency may not automatically be excluded, but they should contact the vacancy holder or recruiting manager for advice because of the CTC vetting requirement.
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