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Lab Skills

Best Practices in Laboratory Management

Designed for new laboratory managers and researchers moving into leadership roles, this course provides a foundation in best practice laboratory management. Learn how to manage resources, maintain compliance and develop more sustainable laboratory processes.

  • Lab Skills
  • 1 day
Tutor
Alex Hardgrave
When
  • 12 May 2027
  • 3 November 2027
Availability
Open for booking
Cost
£400
Duration
1 day

Course Overview

Laboratory management is a subject that is often learned on the job, with limited training opportunities for those new to the role. This course is aimed at both researchers who are new to management, and managers who are new to the laboratory setting. It will provide a foundation of knowledge in various areas of laboratory management that participants can use to improve practices in their own workplace.

A sustainability module is also included. This module is designed for laboratory leaders and decision-makers, focusing on strategies to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory operations. It highlights how leadership can drive sustainable change by implementing policies and practices that minimise resource consumption and promote responsible innovation. Participants will examine practical and strategic approaches to enhance sustainability across laboratory systems — including optimizing energy efficiency, reducing plastic and water usage, and fostering sustainable supply chain partnerships.

Who is this for?

  • Researchers who have recently moved into laboratory management
  • Managers who are new to science

Includes

  • Laboratory Health and Safety, including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
  • Sustainable Laboratory Practices
  • Inventory Management
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Research Integrity

Course details

Where

This course takes place at Advance, Harwell. You will be working in dedicated training spaces designed for practical scientific learning.

Format

This is a 1 day practical course built around active participation, demonstrations, and supervised technical work.

Level

Suitable for learners who want to translate scientific knowledge into stronger practical capability.

Availability

Open for booking

Cost

Course fee: £400. Contact the team if you need help exploring funding or team bookings.

Tutors

Meet Your Tutor

This course is taught by active practitioners who bring current methods, practical judgement, and real laboratory context into every session.

Alex Hardgrave

Alex Hardgrave

Clinical Pathology Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

PhD in Immunology, Lancaster University - research focused on antibiotics, macrophages and intestinal hormones. MSci in Biomedicine, Lancaster University.

Alex Hardgrave is the Clinical Pathology Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell. His day job involves managing a hospital lab for research, providing clinical-style high throughput analysis of blood and urine samples for researchers across the UK and beyond. As well as high throughput analysis, the lab also provides bespoke flow cytometry services and immunoassays.

He completed a PhD in Immunology at Lancaster University in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, studying the effects of certain specialised antibiotics on the immune system. Principally focusing on macrophages in both a murine and cell model, this developed his expertise in in-vivo and in-vitro immunology research.

Since completing his PhD, Alex has worked primarily in the academic research environment, in areas ranging from cancer to parasitic worm infections. He has been at the MLC for just over three years, during which time he has led the teaching and development of the Lab Skills courses at Advance. He uses his diverse experience to ensure lab skills course attendees receive high-quality training in the most up to date lab practices.

  • Lab Skills

What You Will Take Away

The course is designed to give learners practical outcomes they can carry back into their own work immediately.

I liked the informal group discussions – participants and trainer sharing their experiences.

Hands-on technical mastery

Leave with stronger practical confidence and a clearer understanding of how to troubleshoot real lab problems.

Current methods and emerging practice

Build capability that reflects how active researchers and technical teams are working now.

Confidence to work independently

Apply what you learn immediately, supported by materials, recordings, and follow-on guidance.

Testimonials

Testimonials

In Their Own Words

General

“I liked the informal group discussions – participants and trainer sharing their experiences.”

General

“I liked the informal group discussions – participants and trainer sharing their experiences. I liked the inclusion of the laboratory tour and a practical session to add variety to the day. The talk on research integrity was very interesting.”

Next

Build on Your Foundation

Deepen your skills with related courses

Questions

What should I bring?

Bring a notebook and any device you regularly use for work. We provide the equipment and materials needed for the practical sessions.

Is prior experience required?

The course is designed for learners who want to build or deepen practical capability. If you are unsure about your level, contact us and we can advise.

Do you offer group bookings?

Yes. We can discuss group bookings, scheduling, and practical requirements for teams or organisations.

Ready to Advance Your Practice?

Secure your place or register your interest today