View Vacancy -- Receptionist - Operations Group – Reception - LMB 2700

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:

The receptionists support front-of-house functions at the LMB’s state-of-the-art facility. The role is an integral part of the LMB, being the first point of contact for most people visiting our prestigious institute and providing a professional service to staff, visitors, and contractors.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

• Ensuring a professional and effective front-of-house customer service.

• Welcoming and directing visitors and contractors whilst maintaining a professional, organised, and friendly manner.

• Preparing and issuing visitor and contractor badges and ensuring all contractors have a valid contractor passport and have had an induction before they enter the facility.

• Issuing temporary and replacement access control cards to staff, visitors and contractors.

• Managing the switchboard and promptly answering and connecting callers.

• Answering queries and/or redirecting the query to other members of staff as appropriate.

• Receiving and sorting incoming post, special deliveries, and any internal mail.

• Collecting and franking outgoing mail and the administration of other mail services.

• Booking taxis for visitors and staff and maintaining administrative records.

• Being responsible for the booking of pool cars for members of staff upon request and the issuing/receiving of key fobs to vehicles.

• Keeping up-to-date records for post distribution, car, and bicycle registrations.

• Ensuring good communication between reception and security team members.

• Advising/training security in reception duties.

• Selling LMB merchandise upon request.

• Providing cover for periods of colleagues’ holiday/sickness leave for which overtime may be payable.

• Being part of the LMB’s Emergency Response Team.

Working relationships:

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

You will report to the Facilities Support Manager and will liaise with other reception staff, contracted security staff and LMB staff.

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: GCSE, or equivalent, at Grade C or above in English and Maths.

Previous work experience required:

Essential: Previous experience in a reception role in dealing with customers face to face.

Knowledge and experience:

Communications skills

Essential: Ability to communicate with colleagues and customers in person and on the telephone.

Desirable: Ability to deal with difficult situations in a customer facing setting.

Switchboard

Essential: Experience of using a switchboard.

Desirable: Experience of Siemens exchange.

Mailroom experience

Desirable:

• Experience of using a franking machine and working in a post room.

• Ability to advise on and implement postal methods/pricing.

IT skills

Essential: Basic computer literacy including email, Microsoft Word and Excel.

Desirable: Experience using databases and dedicated reception software.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:

• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.

• Must have a professional appearance and manner.

• Must be well spoken and articulate.

• Must appear confident and have a calm and helpful approach.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: 
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

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, the MRC and UKRI.  

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.