Main Purpose of the Job

The post-holder will work collaboratively with Lab Managers, JIC researchers, and NBIP staff across all science buildings. The role will provide a point of contact with the Science Operations (Support Team) for research staff, students, visiting workers, NBIP staff and external agencies and contractors.

The Assistant Lab Manager will be responsible for planned and recurring activities that support researchers across JIC, working closely with other Assistant Lab Managers. This focus will enable the other ALMs to respond to researcher needs within their dedicated areas more effectively and enhance supervision and management of the department. The post will directly support Lab Managers with health and safety training and compliance monitoring, and planning and coordination for infrastructure projects.

Key Relationships

Internal: All staff and students within JIC, including the new JIC Asset Manager
External: All staff within the NBI Partnership, staff at NRP, external collaborators, visiting workers, students, contractors, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.

 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

The post will assist the Laboratory Managers in their support of JIC research, health and safety training and compliance, and general building management. This will include, but not be limited to:

Responsibilities within the team/department
• Participation in, and contribution to, internal safety inspections and audits.
• Support Lab Managers for any actions arising from safety inspections.
• Support Lab Managers in ongoing monitoring of safety compliance.
• Shared responsibility and ownership (with the ALMs) of the recruitment process for employing new members of the Lab Support Team.
• Assist with safety inductions for research staff, students and visiting workers, liaising with the Health, Safety and Quality Assurance (HSEQA) team and occupational health advisors where appropriate.
• Oversight of budgets for laboratory supplies, ensuring best value.
• Deputise/cover for other Assistant Lab Managers absences and holidays.
• Where appropriate, act as line manager for Technicians and Attendants.

Institute-wide responsibilities
Health & Safety and Compliance
• Support activities aiming at improving compliance and implementing control measure to reduce risk. This includes fire safety. 
• Providing advice and support for the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments, including the review and administration of the department’s SOPs.
• Where required, deputise for Lab Managers at departmental, health and safety, and biological safety committee meetings, etc.
• Perform chemical safety testing as required, e.g., peroxide-forming substance (PFS) tests. 
• Support local Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs), to ensure radiochemical work-areas are maintained to the required standards, liaising with the RPS and HSEQA.

Building and lab management
• Attend and contribute to building specific RA Forum meetings.
• Review and update chemical stock management inventory for all work areas.
• Assist with routine maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Assist with the life-cycle management of scientific equipment, i.e., procurement, deployment, maintenance, disposal, in coordination with Facilities staff (e.g., for maintenance contracts). 
• Planned maintenance of communal work-areas, e.g., cold rooms, growth spaces and general lab areas, including Building 50. 
• Liaison with JIC Lab Managers, JIC Asset Manager, and external contractors, for emergency and planned repair and servicing of scientific equipment.
• Providing a point of contact for research staff, NBIP, external agencies, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Rationalisation and maintenance of ultra-deep freezer storage.
• Assist Laboratory Managers in identifying and initiating refurbishments and other infrastructure works to meet the research needs at JIC. Where delegated, provide first point of contact, and otherwise assist Lab  Managers in their completion.
• Lead on sustainability initiatives, coordination and monitoring.
• Help maintain coherence across JIC for hazard signage, labelling and safety management.

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

BSc in a relevant science subject and/or Chartered Scientist Registration

Essential

MSc degree or other higher education certificate in a relevant science subject

Desirable

Accredited training in health and safety, e.g. NEBOSH Award

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Experience of experimental research

Essential

Good computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Essential

Working knowledge of the impact of Health and Safety legislation in the scientific workplace

Essential

Working knowledge of integrated laboratory management, e.g., multiple labs and service areas

Essential

Working knowledge of the operational principles of biological and chemical safety including legislative aspects

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrated experience of supervising, training, or mentoring colleagues

Essential

Experience of environmental sustainability management and/or processes

Desirable

Line management experience

Desirable

Demonstrated experience of planning and project management

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple internal stakeholders and a range of external contacts, effectively influencing and negotiating to achieve common goals

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Able to work flexibly and respond positively to changing demands and duties

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Demonstrated ability to engage with staff at all levels

Essential

Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills

Essential

Excellent verbal communication skills to ensure clarity of information provided to JIC staff and others as needed

Essential

Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Desirable

Demonstrated ability to speak and present clear information to an audience/small or medium-sized audience

Desirable

Ability to line manage and support the continued professional development of department members

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Ability to lift small loads up to 13kg at waist/ chest (reasonable adjustments will be considered in the case of applicants with a disability)

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Ability to respond to and attend work in response to emergency call-outs

Essential

Ability to move large/heavy items such as loaded trolleys, compressed gas cylinders, etc., (reasonable adjustments will be considered in the case of applicants with a disability)

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Laboratory Support

Group Details

The Laboratory Support Department is a key element to the success of the research performed at JIC. It has evolved over the years into a well-run, well-staffed, highly functional and versatile team. JIC is proud of its Laboratory Support provision, which is often cited as one of the reasons new Group Leaders choose to work here.

The Laboratory Support Department comprises three Laboratory Managers, three Assistant Lab Managers, one Media Preparation Area Supervisor and eleven Laboratory Technicians/Attendants. The Lab Managers and Supervisors are each primarily responsible for specific areas of JIC, and the Technicians move from area to area on rotation, usually working in each area for around 4 weeks at a time. This model gives a good balance between continuity and specific understanding of the building/area requirements and provide fresh outlooks and additional skills from the individuals on rotation. The technicians give a high-quality service, but they also act as additional eyes on the ground and alert us to potential issues.

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Assistant Lab Manager
Salary:            £36,540 - £40,600 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
Contract:        Permanent, fulltime
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 17 June 2026
Reference:     1006121

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Lab Manager to join the John Innes Centre (JIC), supporting the world‑class science delivered across our institute.

About the John Innes Centre:

JIC is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. Our vision is to deliver solutions to global challenges and help secure a safer, healthier and more sustainable future. We are entering an exciting phase of development, with major improvements planned for our science buildings. This role will be central to maintaining operational continuity while supporting the progression of significant organisational change.

The role:

Working alongside the Lab Manager team, the successful candidate will contribute to the planned operational management of existing science buildings and act as a key interface between researchers and support functions (including Health & Safety, Facilities, contractors and suppliers). The postholder will also support the development of new science buildings. As the programme evolves, the role is expected to develop, and applicants must be adaptable and responsive to changing priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Shared line management of the Lab Support Team, ensuring efficient and effective operations.
• Supporting the planning, review and oversight of infrastructure and refurbishment projects.
• Leading and delivering environmental sustainability initiatives across JIC.
• Assisting Building Safety Officers and the NBIP HSEQA team with safety compliance, training, SOP and risk‑assessment preparation, incident review and follow‑up actions.
• Supporting equipment procurement, deployment, maintenance and lifecycle management.
• Conducting compliance testing and audit activities.

The ideal candidate will:

•  Hold a BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Have experience working within a scientific research environment.
• Possess working knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, including biological and chemical safety.
• Have experience in a laboratory environment and demonstrate strong IT skills.
• Bring research‑environment experience, including supervising, training or mentoring colleagues, and planning and project‑management abilities.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engage effectively with staff at all levels.

Our employees enjoy access to a diverse range of specialist training opportunities. Click here to find out more.

Additional information:

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is not on the immigration salary list.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.