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Forestry Commission
Laboratory Manager
Wrecclesham Hybrid 5-10 yrs exp Government Administration 2,508 employees
Laboratory ManagementLaboratory Staff SupervisionContainment Level 2 and 3 LaboratoriesHealth and SafetyCOSHH Compliance
Requirements
Applicants need a degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant science or health discipline, experience in Containment Level 2 and/or 3 laboratories, and proven laboratory management and staff supervision experience. They must also demonstrate knowledge of health and safety and COSHH, equipment lifecycle management, strong communication and collaboration, IT and database competence, and understanding of data management and document control.
Job Description
The role will be based in Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Job Summary
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, UK wide. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.
Forest Research is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Laboratory Manager to lead the operational management of the Tree Health laboratory facilities at our Alice Holt Research Station, including the ISO 17025-accredited containment laboratories. The postholder will also be tasked with providing support to equivalent facilities within our Northern Research Station in Scotland where required. As well as laboratory facilities, they will be responsible for ensuring infrastructure, equipment, quality systems and operational processes are maintained to a high standard, supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific work.
The postholder will lead a team of laboratory technicians, coordinate laboratory training programmes, manage staff competence within the laboratory environment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. By delivering well-managed, fit-for-purpose laboratory facilities, the role enables diagnostic and research teams to undertake high-quality science that supports evidence-based decision-making in tree health and forestry.
Job Description
The successful candidate will lead the operation and development of laboratories at our Alice Holt Research Station, including specialist high-containment facilities. They will ensure safe and efficient laboratory environments, equipment, systems and services, as well as compliance with relevant legislation, quality standards and organisational requirements.
Key responsibilities include managing laboratory infrastructure and operations, overseeing equipment maintenance, servicing, calibration and replacement programmes. Additionally, the postholder will ensure that laboratories are maintained to appropriate standards of hygiene, organisation and functionality. They will oversee health and safety arrangements, coordinate procurement and inventory management for laboratory equipment, consumables and services to ensure continuity of operations.
The role provides leadership for laboratory health and safety, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements, including COSHH and containment regulations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining risk assessments, laboratory procedures and safe systems of work, covering areas such as chemical management, biological containment, emergency preparedness, personal protective equipment, exposure control and equipment use.
The Laboratory Manager will maintain laboratory quality systems, documentation, records and data management processes. The postholder will support audits, inspections and accreditation activities, ensuring standards are consistently achieved and maintained.
Working closely with researchers, technical specialists and Facilities teams, the Laboratory Manager will lead the development and operation of laboratory services and infrastructure, driving continual improvements to laboratory spaces while supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific delivery.
The successful candidate will lead the operation and development of laboratories at our Alice Holt Research Station, including specialist high-containment facilities. They will ensure safe and efficient laboratory environments, equipment, systems and services, as well as compliance with relevant legislation, quality standards and organisational requirements.
Key responsibilities include managing laboratory infrastructure and operations, overseeing equipment maintenance, servicing, calibration and replacement programmes. Additionally, the postholder will ensure that laboratories are maintained to appropriate standards of hygiene, organisation and functionality. They will oversee health and safety arrangements, coordinate procurement and inventory management for laboratory equipment, consumables and services to ensure continuity of operations.
The role provides leadership for laboratory health and safety, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements, including COSHH and containment regulations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining risk assessments, laboratory procedures and safe systems of work, covering areas such as chemical management, biological containment, emergency preparedness, personal protective equipment, exposure control and equipment use.
The Laboratory Manager will maintain laboratory quality systems, documentation, records and data management processes. The postholder will support audits, inspections and accreditation activities, ensuring standards are consistently achieved and maintained.
Working closely with researchers, technical specialists and Facilities teams, the Laboratory Manager will lead the development and operation of laboratory services and infrastructure, driving continual improvements to laboratory spaces while supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific delivery.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Your career
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK. You will be asked to:
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift is planned to take place on 2 December 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 14 December 2026 in person at Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH.
Applicants invited to attend for interview will be required to prepare a short (15 minute) presentation: "Effective Laboratory Management: Delivering Safe, Compliant and Efficient Operations." This will be assessed against the essential criteria for the role.
At the Interview stage, you will be assessed on your experience, presentation and the 4 following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, and Working Together.
If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV (Experience) and the Personal Statement. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on all 4 behaviours at interview stage: Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, and Working Together.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Visa Sponsorship
Role
FR holds a licence to sponsor Skilled Workers under the Home Office points-based immigration system. Candidates wishing to apply should note that the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship would depend on an assessment of this role against defined criteria, which include:
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Job Summary
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research (FR) is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry professionals, land managers and anyone with green space, UK wide. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change. We’re identifying tree species that will thrive in the future and seeking ways to safeguard those species at risk. Our research supports UK timber production because fewer imports reduce carbon emissions. We provide robust data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and provide evidence of the societal benefits of woodland. We do all this utilising the latest technology while working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry, nationally and internationally.
Forest Research is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Laboratory Manager to lead the operational management of the Tree Health laboratory facilities at our Alice Holt Research Station, including the ISO 17025-accredited containment laboratories. The postholder will also be tasked with providing support to equivalent facilities within our Northern Research Station in Scotland where required. As well as laboratory facilities, they will be responsible for ensuring infrastructure, equipment, quality systems and operational processes are maintained to a high standard, supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific work.
The postholder will lead a team of laboratory technicians, coordinate laboratory training programmes, manage staff competence within the laboratory environment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. By delivering well-managed, fit-for-purpose laboratory facilities, the role enables diagnostic and research teams to undertake high-quality science that supports evidence-based decision-making in tree health and forestry.
Job Description
The successful candidate will lead the operation and development of laboratories at our Alice Holt Research Station, including specialist high-containment facilities. They will ensure safe and efficient laboratory environments, equipment, systems and services, as well as compliance with relevant legislation, quality standards and organisational requirements.
Key responsibilities include managing laboratory infrastructure and operations, overseeing equipment maintenance, servicing, calibration and replacement programmes. Additionally, the postholder will ensure that laboratories are maintained to appropriate standards of hygiene, organisation and functionality. They will oversee health and safety arrangements, coordinate procurement and inventory management for laboratory equipment, consumables and services to ensure continuity of operations.
The role provides leadership for laboratory health and safety, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements, including COSHH and containment regulations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining risk assessments, laboratory procedures and safe systems of work, covering areas such as chemical management, biological containment, emergency preparedness, personal protective equipment, exposure control and equipment use.
The Laboratory Manager will maintain laboratory quality systems, documentation, records and data management processes. The postholder will support audits, inspections and accreditation activities, ensuring standards are consistently achieved and maintained.
Working closely with researchers, technical specialists and Facilities teams, the Laboratory Manager will lead the development and operation of laboratory services and infrastructure, driving continual improvements to laboratory spaces while supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific delivery.
The successful candidate will lead the operation and development of laboratories at our Alice Holt Research Station, including specialist high-containment facilities. They will ensure safe and efficient laboratory environments, equipment, systems and services, as well as compliance with relevant legislation, quality standards and organisational requirements.
Key responsibilities include managing laboratory infrastructure and operations, overseeing equipment maintenance, servicing, calibration and replacement programmes. Additionally, the postholder will ensure that laboratories are maintained to appropriate standards of hygiene, organisation and functionality. They will oversee health and safety arrangements, coordinate procurement and inventory management for laboratory equipment, consumables and services to ensure continuity of operations.
The role provides leadership for laboratory health and safety, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements, including COSHH and containment regulations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining risk assessments, laboratory procedures and safe systems of work, covering areas such as chemical management, biological containment, emergency preparedness, personal protective equipment, exposure control and equipment use.
The Laboratory Manager will maintain laboratory quality systems, documentation, records and data management processes. The postholder will support audits, inspections and accreditation activities, ensuring standards are consistently achieved and maintained.
Working closely with researchers, technical specialists and Facilities teams, the Laboratory Manager will lead the development and operation of laboratory services and infrastructure, driving continual improvements to laboratory spaces while supporting safe, compliant and effective scientific delivery.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience, in Chemical, Physical or Biological Sciences, or Health and Life Sciences.
- Experience of working within Containment Level 2 and/or Containment Level 3 laboratory environments.
- Proven experience in laboratory management, including the supervision and development of laboratory staff.
- Sound knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and COSHH regulations, with evidence of applying these within a laboratory setting.
- Experience of equipment lifecycle management, including servicing, maintenance, and calibration.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Ability to adapt to evolving laboratory operations, business processes, and management systems.
- Competent IT user with experience of Microsoft Office applications and database management systems.
- Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and disciplines to ensure successful delivery of operational objectives.
- Good understanding of data management principles, document control, and data protection requirements.
Desirable Criteria
The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of quality management systems, particularly ISO 17025:2017.
- Experience of implementing, administering, or supporting a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Knowledge of plant pests and diseases and their impact on plant health, biosecurity, and environmental management.
- Awareness of molecular and morphological techniques used in biological science laboratories, with an understanding of the laboratory infrastructure, equipment, and processes required to support these activities.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
Your career
- Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
- access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
- flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
- A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
- Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
- a highly competitive Civil Service Pension of 28.97% of your salary
- an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
- Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
- Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
- With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Please apply at Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK. You will be asked to:
- Complete a CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role
- Submit a Personal Statement (limited to 500 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria as outlined in the person specification
- Provide a 250-word statement for each of the following Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, and Working Together
Shortlist
The panel will select a shortlist of candidates whose applications best demonstrate suitability for the role, by considering the evidence provided against the Essential Criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
Sift is planned to take place on 2 December 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 14 December 2026 in person at Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH.
Applicants invited to attend for interview will be required to prepare a short (15 minute) presentation: "Effective Laboratory Management: Delivering Safe, Compliant and Efficient Operations." This will be assessed against the essential criteria for the role.
At the Interview stage, you will be assessed on your experience, presentation and the 4 following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, and Working Together.
If we receive a large volume of applications, then we will sift on CV (Experience) and the Personal Statement. Candidates will be expected to answer questions on all 4 behaviours at interview stage: Making Effective Decisions, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, and Working Together.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Visa Sponsorship
Role
FR holds a licence to sponsor Skilled Workers under the Home Office points-based immigration system. Candidates wishing to apply should note that the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship would depend on an assessment of this role against defined criteria, which include:
- Whether the Job role has been identified as being a Critical Role in FR, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan, and / or
- Whether the Job role is a known Capability gap, which has been identified in the Workforce Plan for the relevant Centre, and
- Evidence of significant recruitment challenges in filling the Job role previously
For further details, please refer to the Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – guidance for applicants and managers on our website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FR HR Services by email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
Education
Bachelor Degree
Skills
Laboratory ManagementLaboratory Staff SupervisionContainment Level 2 and 3 LaboratoriesHealth and SafetyCOSHH ComplianceRisk AssessmentEquipment Lifecycle ManagementEquipment Maintenance and CalibrationQuality Management SystemsISO 17025Laboratory Information Management SystemsProcurement and Inventory ManagementDocument ControlData ManagementMicrosoft OfficeStakeholder Collaboration
About Forestry Commission
What do we do? We provide grants, licences and advice to private woodland owners to encourage new tree planting and to help keep private forests under sustainable management. Our plant health officers inspect wood imports at ports to minimise the risk from foreign pests and diseases. Our experts work with local authorities and landowners to contain and control any spread. We licence tree felling to protect our woodlands for generations to come.
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