Clinical Research Laboratory Manager
Fulfil your potential in hospitals that make history:
Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Mary’s, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea and Western Eye.
With five world-renowned hospitals, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is full of opportunity if you are looking to develop your healthcare career.
We are an NHS Trust of approximately 14,000 people, providing care for over a million and a half patients from north west London and beyond every year.
We have a rich heritage and an ambitious vision for the future of our patients and local communities.
With our partners, Imperial College London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, we form Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre, one of 6 academic health science centres in the UK, working to ensure the rapid translation of research for better patient care and excellence in education.
We are proud of our heritage in innovation and we are early adopters of new insights in technologies, techniques and treatments for improving health.
Job overview
Applications are invited for maternity cover for a Clinical Research Laboratory Manager based within the NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility (ICRF) at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, a designated site for clinical research studies involving both patients and healthy volunteers.
This role represents an opportunity for a motivated individual with experience in laboratory management, or extensive hands-on experience of laboratory practice, to provide a vital role in the running of the CRF laboratories. The main responsibilities will include day-to-day maintenance of laboratory facilities and core equipment, accurate processing, storage and documentation of research samples, the purchase of general consumables and research materials, and dealing with general duties.The post holder will be responsible for line managing Junior Laboratory Research Technicians.
You will have a BSc Degree in a biological or medical subject, demonstrable knowledge of laboratory safety and practical experience with a broad range of laboratory equipment. Knowledge of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) would be desirable.
The opportunity is being offered as a fixed term appointment until 23 March 2026
Main duties of the job- The CRF Laboratory provides a comprehensive and high quality service including sample reception, preparation, processing, storage and shipment for samples collected as part of a complete portfolio of clinical trials implemented at the CRF ranging from First in Human (FIH) through to innovative phase 3 trials, and experimental non-IMP studies across.
- The post holder will oversee equipment maintenance, repair and calibration. They will be the owner of the CRF LIMS and temperature monitoring systems and lead on processes related to fridge/freezer alarms and out-of-hours laboratory storage and back-up solutions.
- You will be responsible for ensuring all staff working in the ICRF laboratory have up to date laboratory training and provide training to all users of the laboratory as required. You will provide expert guidance to colleagues working in, or setting up research laboratories within the trust.
Working for our organisation
At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.
Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.
Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview. .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential criteria- BSc degree in a biological or medical subject
- Current Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate
- Postgraduate degree in a biomedical field
- Recognised IATA training
Experience
Essential criteria- Practical experience with a broad range of laboratory equipment and chemicals including dry ice
- Proven experience of working in a research laboratory handling and preparing biological samples
- Good understanding of laboratory and clinical terminology
- Experience of training others
- Experience of academic or commercial clinical research environments
- Experience in use of microbiological safety cabinets
Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities
Essential criteria- Competence in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations
- Excellent organisational and time management skills to effectively handle conflicting priorities and ensure tight deadlines are met
- Problem-solving abilities
- Strong leadership and motivational skills
- An understanding of the commercial research environment and the expectations of its stakeholders
- A good understanding of the NHS and the changing environment of NHS-hosted research