View Vacancy -- VisLab Coordinator - Operations Group - VisLab - LMB 1928

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 X-ray crystallography of proteins, 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.

With the opening of our new laboratory the LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young 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: 

The Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) has a strategic ambition to promote understanding and engagement of its world class science to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. 

The VisLab is responsible for producing dynamic, creative and captivating visual experiences using various media, to support LMB’s research and tell its science stories in the most compelling way.

The VisLab Coordinator will be a central member of the VisLab to monitor and fulfil the lab’s portfolio of visual projects, maintain resources and oversee its day-to-day functions. The Coordinator will be responsible for setting up and managing self-service systems for printing and related tasks for LMB colleagues.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

Collaborate directly with the Head of VisLab and its members to ensure projects are identified, tracked and delivered effectively and efficiently in a timely manner, with clarity about who is responsible and accountable for each task.

Manage the VisLab work scheduling, allocating projects to appropriate VisLab members or external content creators according to available resources ensuring it is delivered to the agreed deadlines.

Anticipate and identify challenges in communication and work schedules and strive to resolve where possible and escalate when necessary to the Head of VisLab.
 
Manage the development and maintenance of all accounts and budgets for outsourcing projects, raising purchase forms or vouchers for purchases, fulfilling payments and drafting related documents, forecast expenses and scheduling work in accordance to agreed deadlines.

Maintain lab servers and ensure lab’s physical and digital assets are maintained, organized and up to date in accordance with the VisLab’s agreed practices.

Assist with requests of printing, basic image and web content editing in collaboration with VisLab members and set up and manage self-service systems for the same and help with loaning equipment to LMB colleagues.

Engage with and support team members, and participate in meetings, critiques, and reviews and build strong working relationships and a positive environment to help develop and improve services of the VisLab to its customers.

Keep abreast of new developments in project management that will help us be efficient and effective in our tasks and collaborations. 

Perform other duties as assigned to fulfil VisLab’s mission of quality, collaboration, service and growth.

Working relationships: 

You will report to the Head of VisLab and work closely with VisLab members.

You will liaise across LMB and with external contractors.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Degree in project administration/ management or related topics preferably in areas of biomedicine or design, or equivalent experience.

Previous work experience required: 

Required:
Experience of managing the scheduling of work to an internal and/or external technical or creative team.

Experience of working in a customer service or project management environment.

Experience of working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Desirable:
Experience in the field of biomedical science 

Knowledge and experience: 

Experience of scheduling multiple projects, tracking work through all stages of a production cycle preferably using any project management or work scheduling software.

Experience of working in a customer service environment dealing with enquiries.

Experience of producing management reports detailing the progress of work.

Expertise in managing projects and customer expectations.

Ability to oversee and lead tasks and follow-up on progress and feedback.

Ability to function well in a collaborative work environment.

Familiarity or interest in printing, editing images and web content. 

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

•    Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
•    Excellent customer services skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships with team members, contractors and customers.
•    Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
•    Good critical and independent thinking, judgement and reasoning skills and desire to solve and anticipate unknown problems.
•    Resilience to work under pressure, balance competing priorities and deadlines in an organized manner.
•    Passion for learning and a willingness to explore and discover newer methods and tools for efficient workflows and processes.
•    Be open to receiving feedback as well as giving feedback and promote a positive working atmosphere.
•    Adaptable and flexible with an openness to change.
•    Ability to be self-motivated and resourceful.