Research Support Manager

Are you excited by the challenge of shaping world-class research-support services in a leading Chemical Engineering department? As our new Research Support Manager (RSM), you will lead team of skilled technicians and, together, support the effective and safe operation our research and analytical laboratories.

You will lead and coordinate the Department’s Research Support Service, comprising the Analytical Services Laboratory and a team of Research Support Technicians. You will provide operational leadership to ensure that research infrastructure and laboratory-based services effectively support the Department’s research objectives. You will also be responsible for developing the service, overseeing resource allocation and ensuring compliance with safety and other institutional standards.

You will provide leadership for the Research-Support and Analytical-Services teams, ensuring that high-quality, professional services are delivered to support the Department’s research. You will assign duties, monitor performance and foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.

As RSM, you will lead the planning, development and maintenance of research laboratories and services. You will work with Principal Investigators and researchers to identify infrastructure requirements and coordinate the specification, procurement, installation, and maintenance of research equipment. You will ensure that research services operate safely, review and approve experimental risk assessments and oversee the production of safety briefing and training materials.

You will supervise the operation and development of the Department’s Analytical Services Laboratory and champion the service within the Department. This will include overseeing procurement, maintenance and renewal of equipment, and engaging with laboratory users. You will ensure that standard operating procedures and training materials are available and support the delivery of high-quality analytical services.

You will manage budgets and cost-recovery charging systems, ensure efficient use of Departmental resources and contribute to sustainability initiatives. Collaboration will be at the heart of the role. You will serve as a key contact for research infrastructure matters, liaise with academics, technical, and professional services colleagues, and represent the Research Support Services at Departmental or University level as required.

We are seeking an experienced research support manager leader with a strong grounding in chemical engineering or a related discipline, together with a solid health and safety background. You will have:

• A degree, BTEC/HNC, recognised apprenticeship or equivalent experience in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics or a related field.
• A formal health and safety qualification, such as IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate.
• Proven line management experience, experience managing a research or analytical laboratory, and experience managing laboratory infrastructure.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, safety and research infrastructure management, including risk assessment and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of common analytical laboratory equipment.

We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership with excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills, including:

• Excellent leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritise, plan, and deliver multiple projects concurrently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical and safety information clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Proven ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues at all levels and to foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in using laboratory management systems and standard administrative software (e.g. MS Office, databases, or equivalent tools).
• Commitment to professional development and to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion workplace.

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Our mission is to deliver world-leading research, education, enterprise, leadership and inspiration in chemical engineering, locally, nationally and globally. Our department is consistently ranked within the top 10 in chemical engineering globally and the top 3 in Europe. We have 45 academic staff, 60 teaching, professional and technical staff and about 120 postdoctoral researchers. The Department offers a four-year MEng degree programme in chemical engineering, attracting about 150 entrants each year, a one-year MSc course with an intake of about 120, and we have some 200 PhD students.

This is a full-time, open-ended post. This post is on site only (5 days on campus)

Interviews will be held week commencing 01 June 2026.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk

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