Resources Manager - MLC 385

Open Date
25/11/2016, 00:05
Close Date
31/12/2016, 23:55
MRC Mary Lyon Centre
We are a major international research centre at the forefront of studies in mouse genetics and functional genomics. We are investigating a wide variety of disease models in mice, in order to enhance our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of disease.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4
Didcot, Oxfordshire
£27,355 - £32,648
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time

Overall purpose:

 

The Harwell Institute hosts the MRC’s Frozen Embryo and Sperm Archive (www.har.mrc.ac.uk/services/fesa) which is also the UK node for the European Mouse Mutant Archive (EMMA: www.infrafrontier.eu) and continues to expand in concert with the growth in mouse genetics. The bank currently holds >2,600 mouse stocks and is internationally recognised as one of the largest repositories of mouse germplasm in the world.

 

The Resource Manager’s role is critical to the future National and International uptake of mouse genetic resources at the Mary Lyon Centre. The post holder will support Harwell’s intramural programme, extensive network of UK collaborators and its international standing. The function of this role will be to coordinate/liaise with investigators around the world who wish to obtain mouse resources from Harwell. The post holder will also work closely with other managers on site to ensure operational efficiency is maximised.

 

The post holder will manage 5 members of the client interface team and report directly to the Head of the Biological Resources Group. The post holder will also work with the EMMA project office (Munich) to ensure that Harwell’s commitments to the consortium are met.

 

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in biological sciences or have equivalent experience. Experience in project/research management is essential and experience in process and quality management would be desirable. An understanding of transgenics, reproductive biology, genetics or cryobiology would be advantageous. The post holder will also need be a team player, customer focused, possess excellent communication skills and have a keen attention to detail.

 

Main duties / key responsibilities:

 

Working with all groups at the Harwell Institute, the post holder’s principle responsibility will be to maintain, and where possible to improve the operational efficiency of the processes involved in exchanging mouse resources to/from the Harwell Institute.

 

This will involve:

  • managing 5 members of staff dedicated to dissemination of resources
  • liaising with investigators within the MRC and other universities/institutes around the world to promote and coordinate the uptake of Harwell’s mouse resources
  • ensuring that the service and resources are disseminated Nationally and internationally
  • maintain full and accurate strain details in laboratory information management system (Anonymus)
  • work with the EMMA project office (Munich) to ensure accurate details are presented on their website
  • working in conjunction with the informatics group, reconfigure the presentation of      the resources offered by Harwell and fully integrate the stock list with other data capture systems on site
  • maintain a client interface that allows institutional investigators to order mouse resources with ease and confidence
  • work closely with the contract manager to ensure all Material Transfer Agreements and other documentation is in place before mouse strains are exchanged
  • report on the uptake/dissemination of Harwell’s resources and
  • ensuring that the quality and accuracy of our delivery services are maintained.

 

Relationships

Develop and maintain good working relationships with scientific staff at all levels in order to optimise information flow and support a culture for the transfer of knowledge

 

Continuous Improvement

It is expected that the post holder will play an active role in continuing the development and implementation of new processes that improve the efficient exchange of resources between the Harwell Institute and the wider scientific community.

 

General

To lead on improving customer service functions and developing a client focussed team approach.

 

Working relationships:

The post holder will manage 5 members of the client interface team and report directly to the Head of the Biological Resources Group.

 

The post holder will also need to independently develop working relationships with:

 

  • Unit Scientists
  • Repository managers across Europe/North America and Asia
  • Investigating scientists around the world
  • External mouse facility manager

 

Essential:

BSc or equivalent in a biological discipline

Experience of working in an academic or commercial research organisation with an emphasis on biological research or resource provision

Ability to understand/use complex databases and electronic document exchange systems

Ability to understand relevant mammalian biological systems

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage and motivate staff

Ability to prioritise tasks efficiently

Attention to detail

Ability to deal with wide range of people from different disciplines and at various levels in an organisation

Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems

Use past experiences to deliver innovative improvements to processes

Commitment to providing a good customer service

Ability to drive a multi-disciplinary team to reach their maximum potential

 

Desirable:

Previous experience of cryo-biology, genetics and transgenics

Experience of importation/exportation of biological materials

A proven ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines within a busy environment

 

 


The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.