Glasgow, Scotland
Job Purpose
Lead and manage Biological Services animal facilities to provide a high quality, high welfare service for researchers whilst providing a rewarding and supportive working environment for technical staff. Adopting best practices as well as developing innovative approaches that will influence other similar establishments at a national and international level.
Salary up to £51,000 per annum depending on qualifications/experience
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop a complex and diverse team of technical staff in five Biological Services facilities to ensure delivery of an effective, high welfare and high-quality service that supports biomedical and biodiversity research programmes at the University
- Lead and manage all aspects of Human Resources for Biological Services staff including recruitment, staff performance, mentoring and staff development to sustain appropriate and effective staffing in all facilities that maximises individual potential and underpins a culture of care
- Responsible for ensuring all existing Biological Services facilities function in an effective and efficient manner and are compliant with the terms and conditions of the Units Establishment Licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
- Provide expert and best practice advice to researchers on matters relating to animal technology, welfare, breeding programmes and service costs
- Lead on evaluation of existing service provision within Biological Services via customer feedback and analysis of data to adapt and improve processes and procedures whilst taking into account any legislative impacts that changes may cause
- Take a central role in future facility planning and development providing expert advice to ensure that new facilities reflect best practices in laboratory animal housing, husbandry and sustainability and will be flexible enough to support the changing requirements of biomedical science and academic staff
- Responsible for providing detailed and robust animal project cost estimates for funding applications, maintaining a database of research project costings to strategically plan required staffing and facility resources to meet future needs
- Responsible for Health, Safety and Security of all Biological Services staff to ensure compliance under Health and Safety at Work Act and current UK legislation
- Develop and implement robust policies, protocols, and inductions to ensure the security and health and safety of all those who visit and/or work within Biological Services facilities
- Deputise for the Director in their absence as required, to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Department
Requirements
Essential:
- Educated to a minimum of Degree level in Applied Biology / Biological Sciences / Animal Husbandry (or equivalent qualification with demonstrable experience)
- Experience working under the Animals in Scientific Procedures Act (ASPA 1986, revised 2012) and related Code of Practice, including holding a Personal Licence and/or Project licence
- Comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety regulations and procedures and other relevant legislation
- Significant and demonstrable experience of large-scale animal facility management including having previously held a post equivalent to that of a Facility Manager
- Significant experience as a Home Office Personal Licence Holder and NACWO
- Experience in managing and controlling budgets and generating animal costings for grant applications
- Security clearance for working in animal facilities
- Experience in delivering effective change management process
- A high degree of computer literacy and experience with databases
Desirable:
- Registered Animal Technician (RAnTech) status
- Training in formal HR processes
- Health and Safety qualifications
- Previous experience of working as an Operations Manager in an academic environment
Salary: £44,000 - £51,000 pa
Date Posted: 20/12/2021
