Laboratory Skills and Research Management

OVERVIEW

 

The Professional Diploma (PD) in Laboratory Skills and Research Management is an intensive, multidisciplinary 11-month programme designed to prepare the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and innovators in biomedical science. The programme in Laboratory Skills and Research Management is a comprehensive, online programme designed to equip students, emerging researchers, and early-career professionals with both technical laboratory expertise and strategic research project management skills. Bringing together essential laboratory techniques and modern scientific oversight practices, this diploma ensures that graduates are not only confident working in clinical, academic, or industrial labs but are also capable of leading, organizing, and executing scientific research projects with integrity, safety, and precision. Whether you are preparing for a career in biomedical science, pursuing postgraduate research, or transitioning into lab-based roles, this professional diploma provides the practical, theoretical, and administrative foundations needed for long-term success in life sciences and health-related research.

 

This programme offers a unique opportunity to advance your knowledge and career in research management and biomedical research. Modern biomedical research relies heavily on experimental techniques. If you're preparing for a master’s or PhD programme, or exploring research career paths, this programme provides the practical foundation and professional experience to move forward.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

 

The online distance-learning delivery of the course will provide opportunities to receive expertise from the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development (CamCID) researchers, material from our partners, and guest lectures.

 

Part 1: Laboratory Health and Safety (3 modules) 

This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory environment and work with animals. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of risks in the laboratory, safety guidelines for working in the laboratory,  safety issues, and working with laboratory animals for research. You will gain an understanding of lab safety guidelines and rules. You will understand the health and safety of performing experiments. You will get the knowledge of health risks in laboratories. You will learn about working with animals in research.

 

Part 2: Cell Culture Techniques (4 modules) 

This course will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory environment and cell culture techniques. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of cell culture safety, cell culture techniques,  issues in cell culture, and applying cell culture in biomedical research. In this course, you will gain an understanding of cell culture techniques. You will understand the health and safety of performing cell culture. You will get skills in performing cell culture. You will learn about the cell culture protocol. You will learn about biomedical research applications of cell culture techniques.

 

Part 3: Spectroscopic Techniques (4 modules)

This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge of spectroscopic techniques and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of different types of spectroscopic techniques and spectroscopic applications for research. During the 4 modules of this course, you will gain an understanding of spectroscopic techniques. You will understand the research applications of spectroscopic techniques. You will learn about the types of spectroscopic techniques. You will also learn about the NMR spectroscopy technique.

 

Part 4: Flow Cytometry (4 modules)

This training will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work in a laboratory environment and the flow cytometry technique. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of procedure safety, flow cytometry method,  instrumentation, best practices in flow cytometry, and flow cytometry for biomedical research. During the course, you will gain an understanding of flow cytometry techniques. You will understand the health and safety of performing flow cytometry. You will learn about the best practices in flow cytometry. You will learn about flow cytometry instrumentation and equipment. You will also learn about research applications of flow cytometry.

 

Part 5: Fluorescence Microscopy Training (4 modules)

This course will provide you with essential skills and knowledge to work with fluorescent microscopes and super-resolution microscope techniques. It will equip you with the expertise and understanding of principles of fluorescent microscopy, fluorescent microscope instrumentation, super-resolution microscopes, and fluorescence microscopy for biomedical research. You will gain an understanding of the principle of fluorescence microscopy. You will understand the instrumentation of fluorescence microscopy. You will learn about the super-resolution microscopy technique. You will also learn about research applications of fluorescence microscopy.

 

Part 6: Research Management (4 modules) 

Dive into the intricacies of strategic research planning, aligning your projects with organizational goals and societal needs. Develop skills to articulate a compelling research vision and mission. Explore state-of-the-art data management techniques and strategize your career path as a Research Manager. This PCert course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful Research or Project Manager. It will help you to gain knowledge in research policy and funding guidelines, and how to manage collaborations and research projects. Through the final research management project, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills required to manage the research project and portfolio. Develop proficiency in strategic planning for research projects, aligning objectives with organizational goals. You will acquire practical skills in budget development and project management for research projects. You will learn to identify potential risks associated with research projects.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST WORK

 

The 6-Month Online Volunteer Research Scientist Role is a prestigious, fully remote opportunity designed for individuals seeking real-world experience in laboratory-based scientific research and research project management. It is ideal for students, graduates, and early-career researchers who wish to deepen their laboratory science expertise, gain research publication experience, and engage with global peers and mentors in a structured, academically rigorous environment. This work training complements the Laboratory Skills and Research Management Professional Diploma, offering participants an opportunity to apply what they learn in the online courses to active research projects. With a focus on core laboratory techniques, research methodology, experimental design, scientific communication, and responsible lab management, participants will develop a well-rounded profile suitable for postgraduate study, research internships, or lab-based roles in academia and industry.

 

Purpose and vision of the work 

The primary goal of this role is to bridge the gap between academic learning and applied research. The objective of this research-focused work is to bridge theoretical knowledge with experimental and analytical research practice in the life sciences. This is a non-paid, volunteer role designed to be accessible, flexible, and impactful, requiring 4–6 hours per week. Participants benefit from structured training, personalized feedback, peer collaboration, and expert mentorship, culminating in research writing and publication experience. Through guided projects, reading tasks, mentorship, and independent research, participants will engage with research questions in meaningful and measurable ways. The role is designed to:

 

• Translate theoretical lab knowledge into applied research tasks
• Build competence in designing, analyzing, and managing research projects
• Train participants to become independent researchers capable of contributing meaningfully to the scientific process

 

Core components of the work

• Active participation in a research project
• Research writing and scientific communication
• Global online research discussions
• Mentorship from an academic in the UK and/or industry experts

Entry Requirements

 

• This programme starts with a beginner level and progresses towards the mid and advanced levels.
• This programme is designed for all levels of students (Undergraduate students, Master's degree students, or Ph.D.).
• All our online courses are taught in English. Therefore, you must have good English language skills.

DUAL CertificatIONS

 

1. Professional Diploma Certificate by Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development 

 

After completing (passing) all the parts of this programme, you will be provided with an e-certificate of completion for the Professional Diploma (PD) at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development, UK.

 

2. Professional Diploma Certificate by Laboratory Skills Development Centre, London 

 

You will also receive an additional e-certificate (free of cost) for completing the Professional Diploma by our partner institute, the Laboratory Skills Development Centre, London.

 

3. RESEARCH SCIENTIST CERTIFICATE

 

You will receive a separate e-certificate for your Research Scientist work at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development (CamCID).

Career Opportunities

 

Upon completing this Professional Diploma, participants can pursue various early-career roles in academic, healthcare, and industry laboratories, including:

 

• Research Manager
• Laboratory Manager
• Laboratory Technician
• Research Assistant
• Clinical Laboratory Assistant
• Biological Science Technician
• Pharmaceutical Lab Assistant
• Biomedical Support Worker
• Quality Control (QC) Analyst
• Public Health Laboratory Support Staff

Design AND Delivery

 

This online programme is delivered on our virtual learning platform (Moodle). The programme is self-paced and it can be completed on your schedule within programme's duration. The programme includes recorded lectures, templates, learning material, ebooks, and research-based tasks. This programme is designed in collaboration with our partner institute (Laboratory Skills Development Centre, London), its Academics and Collaborators from international universities, and our Research Team at the Cambridge Centre for Innovation and Development, UK.

Application Process

 

1. Apply by filling out the application form after clicking the Apply Now button
2. Your application will be processed within 2 working days
3. Pay your registration fees within 2 days (if your application is accepted for admission)