Director of Biological Services

Job description:

Are you a strategic leader ready to oversee world-class biomedical research governance?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the Biological Services Department at the University of Sheffield. In this high-profile institutional role, you will provide senior strategic leadership and executive oversight for the governance, regulatory compliance, and operational delivery of all biological services.

The Role Acting as a principal adviser to senior leadership, you will ensure full compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and all associated ethical and health and safety frameworks. You will influence institutional research strategy, shaping the governance frameworks and sustainable infrastructure necessary to support our research priorities.

In this varied role, you will:

• Deputise for the Establishment Licence Holder (ELH), exercising delegated institutional authority over licensing strategy.
• Hold statutory named roles, specifically acting as the Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) and Named Information Officer (NIO).
• Lead the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), ensuring robust ethical review and scientific challenge.
• Mentor academic staff in the development of high-quality Project Licence (PPL) applications and amendments.
• Embed the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) institutionally, promoting a culture of ethical responsibility and transparency.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance culture across all Biological Services operations.

About You

We are looking for a strategic thinker with extensive senior leadership experience within a regulated biological research environment. You will possess expert knowledge of ASPA and Home Office licensing, with a proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

You should have:

• A degree or higher in a relevant life sciences, biomedical, or veterinary discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Experience delivering accredited Home Office PIL and/or PPL training modules.
• Excellent influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage with staff across multiple diverse departments.
• The ability to act with tact and diplomacy while managing institutional risk and regulatory inspections.

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