Opportunity Review: Laboratory and Facilities Manager - Geospatial & Environmental Monitoring
This position at Newcastle University presents a compelling opportunity for a technically proficient and organisationally adept individual to play a crucial role in managing cutting-edge laboratories and facilities within the Civil and Geospatial Engineering discipline. With a competitive salary range of £35,608.00 - £46,049.00 per annum, this role offers a rewarding career path within a globally recognised institution.
What's on Offer: A Thriving Work Environment and Excellent Benefits
Newcastle University is committed to the wellbeing and professional development of its staff. Candidates can look forward to:
- A generous holiday package, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Excellent pension schemes designed to support your long-term financial security.
- A comprehensive suite of health and wellbeing initiatives to foster a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
- The chance to contribute to a dynamic and research-intensive academic environment.
Key Responsibilities and Growth Potential
As the Laboratory and Facilities Manager, you will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of specialised equipment and facilities. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in:
- Technical Expertise & Leadership: You will be the go-to expert for Geospatial Engineering and Environmental Monitoring technologies, including GNSS, laser scanning, autonomous vehicles, and surveying equipment. This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge and apply it to high-value teaching and research.
- Research and Teaching Support: You will provide vital technical advice and support to academic and research staff, contributing directly to the progression of groundbreaking research projects and the development of student learning experiences.
- Operational Management: This role involves the comprehensive management of facilities, including ensuring safe operational procedures, assisting users, and overseeing the general running of research, teaching, and commercial outreach facilities.
- Health and Safety: A core aspect of this role is maintaining a safe working environment, implementing safety policies, and conducting crucial induction and safety briefings. This experience is invaluable for career progression in a safety-conscious field.
- Financial & Estates Management: You will gain experience in financial accounting, budget management, and contribute to the planning, organisation, and administration of estates and technical services.
- Team Management: With opportunities for line management of technical staff, this role is ideal for those looking to develop their leadership and supervisory skills.
Key Considerations for Candidates: Navigating Your Career Path
To excel in this role and maximise your career development, consider the following:
- Technical Acumen: A strong foundation in Geospatial Engineering, surveying technologies, and associated data processing software (e.g., GIS, CAD, BIM) is essential. The ability to adapt to and learn new technologies will be a significant asset.
- Problem-Solving & Proactivity: The description highlights the need for proactive and innovative problem-solving. Developing your ability to anticipate needs, identify solutions, and implement them efficiently will be key to success.
- Stakeholder Engagement: This role demands excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic staff, researchers, students, and potentially external contractors.
- Organisational Skills: The ability to plan, organise, and manage multiple tasks, priorities, and resources effectively is paramount. This includes meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
- Health and Safety Focus: A thorough understanding and commitment to health and safety policies and procedures are critical. Demonstrating your ability to implement and manage these will be a strong indicator of suitability.
- Desirable Skills: While not essential, experience in managing technical staff and overseeing facilities/equipment budgets would provide a significant advantage and accelerate your integration into the role.
In Summary:
This Laboratory and Facilities Manager position at Newcastle University offers a challenging yet highly rewarding career opportunity for an individual passionate about supporting cutting-edge engineering and research. It provides a stable and supportive work environment with excellent benefits, coupled with the chance to develop a broad range of technical, operational, and leadership skills. If you are seeking to advance your career in a dynamic academic setting and contribute to impactful scientific endeavours, this role warrants serious consideration.