Research Support Manager

Location: South Kensington (on site only)

About the role:

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.

What you would be doing:

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. You will manage budgets and cost-recovery charging systems. 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.

What we are looking for:

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

Further Information

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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