Technical & Operational Roles
A wide range of technical and operational roles support our world-leading research — from human resources and finance to scientific computing, engineering and specialist facility teams.
Together, our technical and operational teams make the LMB a place where groundbreaking science can thrive.
Highly skilled technical staff lead and run the LMB’s state-of-the-art scientific facilities, including electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR, light microscopy, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, biophysics, and more. These experts provide hands-on support, training, and collaboration on complex projects, ensuring researchers have access to advanced technologies and in-house expertise.
Core lab services, like media preparation, glasswash, autoclaving and equipment maintenance, are also run by experienced technical staff, playing a vital part in keeping experiments on track.
LMB support services ensure that scientists can stay focussed on their research. Whether it’s maintaining high-performance computing systems, managing procurement, supporting day-to-day admin, or ensuring labs are well-equipped and running efficiently, these roles are essential to how the LMB functions.
We have dedicated administration, communications, finance, human resources and IT teams that support the core functions of the Institute. Keeping the LMB building and infrastructure running smoothly also involves health and safety, domestic services, reception, engineering, facilities management teams and more.
Across the LMB, local support teams handle everything from managing lab space and equipment to coordinating meetings, travel, and resources for research groups.
Technician Commitment
The LMB is a signatory of the Technician Commitment, an institute- and university-led initiative that supports technicians working in research and higher education.
The commitment aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technical staff across disciplines to improve and safeguard technical skills.
“I changed career path and moved from an LMB lab-based role to the Health & Safety department after nearly two decades in scientific research.
My lab experience helps me appreciate the challenges researchers face and how Health & Safety support keeps experiments running safely and smoothly. The practical training and encouragement from my new team have helped me grow and build a new career.
I’ve made the most of the LMB’s opportunities, from science outreach like open days, LifeLab and drone filming, to exploring the history of science and safety in my current role. Whether as a wellbeing ally, being on the EDI committee, or even performing in the staff skit, every experience has allowed me to keep learning and contributing.”
Shahana Ahmed
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISOR
“I joined the LMB in 2019 as a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Technician Apprentice, working within the Estates & Facilities department.
Combining on-the-job training with continued education laid the foundations for my career. After completing my apprenticeship in 2023, I took on a permanent role at the LMB, specialising in electrical maintenance.
I really enjoy the variety of my work and being part of a team. Over the years, I’ve been tasked with many exciting team projects, from property refurbishment to upgrading lighting from fluorescent to LED to increase the LMB’s sustainability.”
William Batey
ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
“The LMB is a wonderful place to just enjoy witnessing science, doing some of that myself, but also going to seminars with colleagues and getting excited.
The LMB has a really lovely culture and a sense of sharing – if you want to learn a new skill or technique, someone will help.
There’s a lot of mixing between groups, and people are very generous with their time.”
Keren Turton
TISSUE CULTURE FACILITY MANAGER
“I joined the LMB as an IT support engineer in 1997 and now manage the department, ensuring all the LMB’s IT needs are met, from hardware repairs and network installations to cybersecurity.
I enjoy turning up every day. The work is very diverse because in the IT department we give everybody the chance to do a bit of everything, you get so much freedom here to learn.
This variety of experience enabled me to progress up the ranks here at the LMB.”