Team Leader – High Containment Microbiology

About the role

The High Containment Microbiology department at UKHSA is seeking a Team Leader to drive research and diagnostic projects on Hazard Group 4 viruses. You will manage multidisciplinary project teams across the Colindale and Porton sites, ensuring safe, high‑impact work in Containment Level 3 and 4 laboratories.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage project teams delivering clinical and research programmes on Hazard Group 4 pathogens.
• Develop, optimise and validate virology and immunological assays for high‑consequence viruses.
• Identify and implement new techniques and technologies to enhance virus detection capabilities.
• Coordinate diagnostic support programmes for Hazard Group 3 and 4 pathogens.
• Work directly in CL3 and CL4 labs, maintaining biosafety standards.
• Collaborate with national and international institutes and secure external research funding.

Required profile

• Advanced scientific degree (PhD or equivalent) in virology, microbiology or a related field.
• Proven experience working with Hazard Group 4 pathogens in high‑containment facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and project‑management experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearances and training for CL4 work.
• Strong collaborative skills across multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• Virology assay development and validation.
• Immunological assay development.
• Containment Level 3 laboratory work.
• Containment Level 4 laboratory work.
• Handling of Hazard Group 4 pathogens.