Technical and Operational Lead (BEWISe)

The Role

The School of Engineering at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to lead the technical operation and development of the Biological Engineering: Wastewater Innovation at Scale (BEWISe) facility at Birtley. This pioneering European-first research wastewater pilot facility supports both academic and industrial users.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong technical and operational leadership experience in a research or industrial laboratory environment.
• Expertise in managing complex facilities, analytical instrumentation, and infrastructure.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety regulations, laboratory compliance, and risk management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management, including international collaboration.
• Flexibility and innovation to support cutting-edge research and high-value teaching programmes.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage the BEWISe facility, including equipment, infrastructure and technical capabilities.
• Support the Technical Operations Manager in planning, organisation and administration.
• Ensure security, upkeep, repair, and calibration of equipment.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with legislation.
• Ensure robust financial management and accountability.
• Lead and supervise technical staff within the BEWISe facility.
• Coordinate site sampling activities and oversee visits.
• Work with academic lead to develop innovative experimental programmes.
• Manage services to external users and communicate within international team.
• Liaise with NWL to monitor safety-critical systems.
• Collect samples and conduct laboratory analyses.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience managing or supporting a relevant work environment in a pilot plant and laboratory setting.
• Up to date knowledge of health and safety policy and procedure.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation (GCMS, wet chemistry, wastewater characterisation).
• Ability to implement and manage change with client management skills.
• High-level planning, organisational, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Evidence of project management and financial budgetary management.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills and numerical skills.

Attributes and Behaviour: Flexible, collaborative, stakeholder-oriented, structured, proactive, innovative.

Qualifications: Degree or equivalent in relevant Science or Engineering subject plus experience; full UK driver’s license.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Russell Davenport at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] or Debbie Wilde at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

Closing Date: 21 May 2026. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a global University and an equal opportunities employer.