Science Services Manager

Reports to: Head of Engineering Facilities and Science Services 

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment.         

SUMMARY 

Science Services brings together a range of specialist functions, which provide support to around a thousand research scientists.  Every week the Glasswash and Media Preparation teams clean and sterilise thousands of items of scientific glassware and formulate numerous research reagents, including culture media, buffers, microbiological plates and drosophila diet. The Fly Facility provides fly husbandry and support for fly research, including a range of technical support services. 

We are looking for a motivated individual to lead these services, review, develop and maintain robust operational processes and effective testing & validation systems to ensure the quality of products used in research. 

You will also be responsible for the safety of all staff working in your area, facility housekeeping and the appropriate management of Crick budgets and resources. 

This role involves considerable communication with scientists, technical staff and other support services at all levels within the organisation. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Science Services Manager will set the strategic direction and oversee the smooth running of these combined support services, improving and implementing best-practice approaches to service delivery. You will have responsibility for: 

• All formulation and production relating to Media Prep and Glasswash
• Reviewing all operational processes to ensure streamlined and efficient service delivery
• Maintaining effective quality control functions, to guarantee the traceability and quality of all products we supply and deal with any contamination issues
• Conducting appropriate chemical and microbiological analyses
• Developing, validating and implementing processes improvements
• Setting and reporting on key performance indicators
• Investigating and rectifying any issues that arise during production (Root Cause Analysis)
• Promoting the services to users throughout the organisation
• Monitoring customer satisfaction and addressing any concerns directly with end users
• Contributing to the leadership and development of a team of around 25 technical staff
• Identifying skill gaps, training and motivating staff
• Providing continuous improvement of service delivery, through awareness of innovations in process and technology
• Working with users of the Fly Facility to identify improvements and potential additions to the service provided
• Managing budgets and staffing levels
• Ensuring Health and Safety Policies and Procedures are followed and ensure high standards of housekeeping at all times 

KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES 

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Open and Collegial, in addition to the following: 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree or experience in a life science or chemistry-based discipline
• Significant experience in laboratory management and reagent production, gained in a laboratory environment
• Significant experience of conducting chemical and / or microbiological testing
• Knowledge and experience of process analysis and good documentation practices
• Familiarity with laboratory sterilisation and water processing equipment
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, with internal clients
• Commitment to continuous improvement of service delivery 

Desirable: 

• Project management skills gained via a recognised qualification or through experience
• Awareness of ISO 9001 Quality Management
• Experience of preparing SOPs and risk assessments
• Financial management skills
• Ability to deliver relevant in-house training
• Awareness of sustainable procurement and practices
• Knowledge of Drosophila husbandry and research

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