Technical Facility Manager Heritage Science

National Technician Development Centre; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A university in the UK is seeking a Technical Facility Manager for its Heritage Science Laboratory. This role, based in Manchester, involves leading innovative research with a focus on microCT imaging and analytical techniques. The successful candidate will oversee specialist equipment, manage health and safety, and provide training to users from various backgrounds. If you're passionate about supporting research in a dynamic university setting, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the field.

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams and projects.
• Strong track record in a research setting.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insight.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality support for research innovation.
• Manage access to specialist spaces and equipment.
• Deliver training in analytical techniques.

Skills

microCT equipment

analytical skills

communication skills

problem-solving

health and safety management

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Technical Facility Manager Heritage Science at Manchester Metropolitan University

Location: Manchester Birley Campus

Faculty / Function: Academic Services

Closing Date: 20 January 2026

Contract Type: Fixed Term (5-year, ending 31 March 2031)

Technical Facility Manager – Heritage Science Laboratory (5-year fixed term)

Manchester Metropolitan University have recently been awarded over £1M to invest in the Centre for Digital Modelling and Analysis for Cultural Heritage (D-MACH). We are funded by the new Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS), an AHRC investment. The laboratory brings together a broad range of non‑destructive analytical techniques to analyse and understand heritage assets. We are seeking a technical facility manager to lead this new facility with a specialism in microCT imaging, data analysis and interpretation. Crucially, the lab is interdisciplinary in nature, and will serve a broad range of potential service users, from small museums to researchers from across UK higher education. The facility also offers capabilities in XRF and Raman spectroscopy, 3D surface scanning and hyperspectral imaging. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to lead an interdisciplinary and outward facing facility.

The role

As a technical facility manager you will be expected to:

• Deliver high quality support for research innovation
• Oversee and manage access to specialist spaces and equipment
• Manage health and safety
• Work in close partnership with the RICHeS scheme managers, academics, other members of professional services and, crucially, external partners with limited knowledge of your scientific specialism
• Deliver training in analytical techniques and downstream data processing at a level appropriate to the skills and experience of users
• Advise service users on the equipment appropriate to their research needs

About you

The successful candidate will be a confident and collaborative leader with a strong track record in managing teams and projects. You'll bring:

• A track record of working with microCT equipment in a research setting
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insight
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with non‑specialists
• A flexible, proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Experience in managing specialist spaces, equipment, and health and safety.
• A commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.
• A degree (or equivalent experience), professional registration (or be working towards it), and a passion for supporting research and innovation in a dynamic university setting.

For further details, including the full Person Specification, please see the Job Description attached at the bottom of this page.

How to apply

If you're ready to make a lasting impact on research and teaching through technical excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please upload your CV and a Covering Letter, outlining how you meet the essential criteria.

For more information, contact: Ben Edwards ([e-mail]); Jane Eagling ([e-mail]); or Charlotte Brassey ([e-mail])

Please note: Interviews are provisionally planned to take place the week commencing 02/02/2026

Further information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support under‑represented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.