Laboratory Manager Visa Sponsorship UK

Job Description

Laboratory Manager  Forest Research (Permanent)

Salary: £40,388 – £43,482 (new Civil Service entrants normally start at the minimum)
Grade: Higher Executive Officer  Pay Band 4
Location: Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey (GU10 4LH)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Business Area: Forest Research Forest Protection
Pension: Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Number of Posts: 1

About Forest Research

Forest Research (FR) is the UK’s leading organisation for forestry and tree-related science. Our work helps shape national policy, supports frontline practitioners, and informs how we respond to today’s biggest environmental challenges—from climate change to biodiversity loss.

We are small enough for every voice to matter, but part of a larger family within the Forestry Commission, giving us the resources, modern facilities, and career pathways to support your growth. At FR, you’ll join a friendly, inclusive team that values flexibility, collaboration, and high-quality scientific evidence.
Learn more about us at GOV.UK/forest-research.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the tree health diagnostic and research laboratories at Alice Holt, including our ISO17025-accredited containment labs. You’ll also provide support to our laboratory teams at the Northern Research Station in Roslin, Midlothian.

These labs play a crucial role in delivering high-quality evidence on tree pests, pathogens, and forest health, using a mix of molecular and morphological techniques. Your leadership will help ensure smooth day-to-day operations, robust safety standards, and continuous improvement across our facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Safety

• Lead health and safety practices across the laboratories, including COSHH compliance and risk assessments.
• Oversee housekeeping, hygiene, safe equipment operation, and routine instrument calibration and servicing.
• Manage procurement of consumables and equipment to keep the labs fully operational.
• Develop and update chemical safety plans, emergency procedures, PPE guidance, and other safety documentation.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Manage a team of laboratory technicians and support staff, ensuring competency, training, and ongoing development.
• Organise and deliver training activities related to laboratory practices, safety, and facility operations.

Continuous Improvement & Quality

• Lead improvements in laboratory processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and scientific output.
• Maintain control of laboratory data, documentation, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Support tree health laboratory operations across regional sites where needed.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

You must demonstrate:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Biological, Physical, Chemical, Health, or Life Sciences.
• Practical experience in containment labs (CL2/CL3).
• Strong laboratory management experience, including supervising staff.
• Good working knowledge of Health & Safety and COSHH regulations (IOSH desirable).
• Experience managing equipment servicing, maintenance, and calibration.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to evolving laboratory and business systems.
• Competence in MS Office and database systems.
• A collaborative approach to working across disciplines.
• Understanding of data management and data protection requirements.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of ISO17025:2017 or ISO9001:2015 quality systems.
• Experience using or managing a LIMS.
• Familiarity with plant pests, diseases, or biological diagnostic methods.
• Awareness of molecular and morphological biology techniques.

Behaviours Assessed at Application and Interview

• Managing a Quality Service (written evidence required)
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

What We Offer

Career & Development

• Tailored professional development and access to Civil Service Learning.
• Paid professional memberships where relevant.
• Access to cutting-edge equipment and laboratory facilities in forest or science park settings.

Work Life Balance

• Flexible working options including blended working, part-time roles, special leave, and career breaks.
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30), plus 2.5 additional days and bank holidays.

Wellbeing & Community

• A culture rooted in inclusivity, wellbeing, and teamwork.
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7).
• Workplace activities such as wellbeing sessions, running groups, and community events.
• Three days’ paid volunteering leave annually.

Financial Benefits

• Highly competitive Civil Service Pension (28.97% employer contribution).
• Employee discounts, Cycle to Work scheme, interest-free loans, and free on-site parking.
• Enhanced family-related leave, including up to 26 weeks’ full pay for maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave.

For childcare support options, visit:
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk (Official GOV.UK link)

How to Apply

Apply through the Civil Service Jobs portal on GOV.UK. You will be asked to provide:

• A CV detailing your relevant experience and achievements
• A 500-word personal statement addressing the essential criteria
• 250-word responses for each behaviour listed above

Shortlisting will assess your evidence against the essential criteria.
Sift date: 16 January 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 26 January 2026 (in person at Alice Holt)

Candidates invited to interview must deliver a 10-minute presentation on:
“Key components of smooth laboratory operation, potential challenges, and how to overcome them.”

Near-miss candidates may be considered for alternative roles at lower grades.

Visa Sponsorship

Forest Research is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas under the UK points-based system. Sponsorship may be considered if the role meets internal workforce criteria, such as:

• Being identified as a Critical Role,
• Filling a known capability gap, or
• Demonstrating significant recruitment difficulty.

Sponsorship remains subject to individual assessment and Home Office requirements.
You can review official sponsorship guidance here:
GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance.

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check and personnel security screening.
• The role is open to eligible UK, Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth, EU/EEA, and other permitted applicants.
• The Civil Service is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Adjustments for applicants with disabilities can be arranged throughout the process.

For questions or support:
hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk