View Vacancy -- Governance Assistant - Operations Group - Scientific Operations - LMB 1707

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

Overall purpose:

To contribute to the smooth running of the governance functions at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). 

Main duties:

Duties include supporting the Scientific Operations Manager in governance matters such as:

•    Business continuity planning
•    Conflicts of Interest, Professional Subscription and Gifts and Hospitality register management
•    Maintenance of the LMB’s licence schedule
•    Management of the travel database, including dealing with reimbursements to the LMB
•    Audit coordination/feedback
•    Data protection management, including annual updates to the information asset registers
•    Data analysis and information gathering to aid the preparation of internal reports
•    Collating data and managing the Directors Annual Statement of Internal Control (DASIC) process
•    Freedom of Information (FOI) management
•    Policy development, adoption, evaluation and updating

Key responsibilities:

To deliver a ‘can do’ approach to governance within the LMB.

To demonstrate a flexible, risk-based approach to governance at the LMB, escalating appropriate issues to the Scientific Operations Manager.

To maintain a level of expertise and competence required for the role, and specifically to remain up-to-date with MRC/UKRI policies and procedures and the annual cycle of activities to provide a well-informed approach to governance.

To develop good working relationships with the Director, COO, Heads of Division, Group Leaders and others, such that they can and do have confidence in our governance approach at the LMB. 

To administer the Business Continuity Plan, keeping all documentation up to date, and supporting the Scientific Operations Manager and Chief Operating Officer (COO) in running scenarios to test the plan. Creating action points from these activities and ensuring they are incorporated into the continual development of the plan.

To manage the Conflicts of Interest, Professional Subscriptions and Gifts and Hospitality registers and request annual updates/forms from members of the LMB.

To maintain the LMB’s licence schedule, reminding responsible individuals when these are due for renewal, and raising purchase orders as appropriate and make applications for licences for which Scientific Operations is responsible.

To assist staff in using corporate travel systems and act as a conduit for sharing of information from UKRI related to any changes.

To monitor the LMB travel policy and processes, managing the Travel database to ensure accuracy of the data, which is reviewed annually by the LMB’s Executive Committee. 

To ensure that reimbursements due to the LMB from overseas travel are obtained in a timely fashion.

To co-ordinate LMB audit activity in conjunction with UKRI, MRC Head Office, the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) and LMB staff. Working with the Scientific Operations Manager to ensure that action points from audits are reviewed and incorporated into the operational running of the LMB.

To support the Scientific Operations Manager in managing the LMB information asset registers in line with data protection regulations.

To support the Scientific Operations Manager in collating and interpreting management information and regularly reviewing key indicators in respect of the LMB. Using this information to develop action plans, for example audit and risk action compliance, to inform discussions by the LMB Executive Committee.

To support the Scientific Operations Manager in completing DASIC and working with LMB colleagues to ensure supporting evidence is gathered and collated in a timely manner.

To monitor FOI requests and escalate these to the Scientific Operations Manager/COO.

To support the development, deployment and evaluation of UKRI policies within the LMB, striving for best practice and enabling compliance with the requirements of DASIC.

To update relevant intranet pages, links and associated policy information, liaising with other staff where assistance in updating their intranet pages is required.

To undertake specific projects, as required, within the LMB, the wider MRC and UKRI.

Working relationships:

This is a hands-on role and involves interactions with staff at all levels.

You will report to the Scientific Operations Manager.

You will need to develop effective working relationships with LMB Researchers and other technical staff, so that you are seen as an effective member of the Scientific Operations Team.

You will work jointly with all other members of the LMB Operations Group (e.g. Finance, HR, Laboratory Management and Health and Safety) and as necessary with other MRC/UKRI colleagues, sharing information and developing joint ways of working as required.

Additional information:

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.  

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
Desirable: Degree in a scientific discipline.

Previous work experience required:

Essential: High level governance experience in the academic or public sector.
Desirable: Experience in a scientific environment.

Knowledge and experience:

•    Experience of managing specific projects and business continuity.
•    Experience in Information and Communication Technology, especially Microsoft Office, databases (e.g. FileMaker) and the internet.
•    Good numeracy skills and adequate expertise in the use of spreadsheets.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Time management:
•    Ability to prioritise work to deal with many situations and problems simultaneously and to answer queries in a timely manner.
•    Ability to work to tight deadlines and provide accurate information.

Communication:
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with others, especially at a senior level.

Team working:
•    Effective team member willing to contribute, but respectful of the roles and experience of others.

Problem solving:
•    Good analytical, risk-based problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to capture fine details and ensure consistency of data in an efficient manner.

Initiative:
•    Ability to use initiative when required.
•    Ability to work without or under limited supervision.

Desirable: 
•    Ability to deal with difficult situations and, with suitable support, able to determine appropriate actions and then to carry these through.
•    Diplomatic, with the ability to persuade senior members of staff to carry out tasks.
•    Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development.