Lab Manager - Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom - The John Innes Centre

Description

This role underpins the world-class science performed at the John Innes Centre (JIC), providing a crucial interface between scientific staff, support functions. JIC is entering an exciting phase of its development as it embarks on an ambitious programme of major improvements in laboratory accommodation (Next Generation Infrastructure project), and this post is expected to play a key role in developing plans and leading operational change. Some development of the role is expected as the project proceeds and applicants must be able to respond positively to changing demands and responsibilities.

The post-holder will work as part of a Laboratory Support Team, with other JIC Lab Managers and key groups within our shared support services organisation, the NBI Partnership, including the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Assurance (HSEQA) team, Hard and Soft Facilities Management teams and Purchasing and Finance. The post-holder will work with, and be managed by, the JIC Chief Operating Officer. The job holder will manage laboratory workspace in the Biffen and Bateson buildings, which can accommodate up to 300 researchers. The main elements of the role are:
• Shared management of the JIC Lab Support Team, to deliver excellent service whilst maximising operational efficiency, liaising with senior science staff and senior management where needed.

• Review, plan and oversee infrastructure projects of various sizes.

• To act as Building Safety Officer, in collaboration with the NBIP HSEQA team, monitoring safety compliance, providing training, assistance and guidance on all safety matters, including the preparation of standard operating procedures, risk assessments, etc., reviewing and preparing incident reports and ensuring remedial action is taken as needed.

• Review and management of equipment requirements, procurement, deployment, and maintenance.

Key Relationships

Internal: All staff and students within the Institute.
External: All staff within the NBI Partnership, suppliers, contractors, Norwich Research Park staff, scientific and non-science collaborators, visiting workers, students, and regulatory agencies.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Manage the provision of all aspects of laboratory support to JIC research groups through liaison with science staff, relevant elements of the NBI Partnership, science administrators and the JIC Directorate, in addition to service and materials suppliers. 45 Act as Building Safety Officer. Provide safety induction for new staff; attend the NBI Health & Safety Committee. Participate in safety inspections, advise on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments. Arrange and/or deliver any formal training required. Liaise with Occupational Health advisors where needed. 20 Provide a first point of contact for and manage infrastructure works and refurbishment projects. Represent the needs of science on larger infrastructure projects. 10 Provide advice and guidance on instrumentation purchase, operation, and maintenance, including the coordination of service contracts with Facilities staff. Coordinate the disposal of redundant research equipment. Provide advice and guidance to scientists on new technologies and relevant equipment. 10 Act as Line Manager to Lab Support Staff as required.
5 Provide a first point of contact for external agencies, organisations and suppliers as needed and if appropriate.
5 Provide first point of contact for 'out-of-hours' emergencies and incidents, responding and attending on site as necessary. 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with
the nature of the post.

Person Profile Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance BSc in a relevant science subject and/ or Chartered Scientist Registration. Essential PhD in a relevant science subject. Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Working knowledge of the impact of Health and Safety legislation, including biological and chemical safety principles, in the scientific workplace. Essential Experience of working within a large inter-disciplinary laboratory environment. Essential Good IT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Essential Working knowledge of Radiation Safety operational principles and legislation. Desirable Detailed knowledge of biological and chemical safety principles and operational and legislative requirements. Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience of supervising, training, or mentoring colleagues. Essential Experience of effective planning and project management skills. Essential Substantial experience in a research environment. Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Ability to engage with staff at all levels. Essential Able to work flexibly and respond positively to changing demands/duties. Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity. Essential Ability to work collaboratively with multiple internal stakeholders and external contacts, effectively influencing and negotiating to achieve desired outcomes. Essential Ability to work both as part of a team and independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills. Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills. Essential Promote and strive for continuous personal and organisational improvement. Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where needed. Essential Ability to respond and attend site during out-of-hours emergency situations. Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Ability to lift small loads up to 13kg at waist/ chest height. Ability to move large/heavy items such as loaded trolleys, compressed gas cylinders, etc., although reasonable adjustments will be considered in the case of applicants with a disability. Essential Attention to detail Essential Willingness to embrace the values and behaviours expected of all staff at JIC. Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on or

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No , limited by guarantee (registered in England No

Department

Laboratory Support

The Laboratory Support Department covers the three main science buildings across the JIC site, providing an essential service to John Innes Centre Scientists. The Laboratory Support Department comprises: Laboratory Managers, Lab Support Supervisors, Central Media Service Manager, a team of Laboratory Support Technicians and Lab Attendants. Lab Managers report directly to the Chief Operations Officer.

Lab Manager
Salary: £43,550 - £54,900 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Indefinite, full-time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 13 May 2024
Reference:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lab Manager to join the Laboratory Support Group at the John Innes Centre. The role: We are looking for an enthusiastic individual, with a wide-ranging experience in a laboratory setting to join the JIC Laboratory Support Department. The successful candidate for thisLaboratory Manager role will work alongside existing JIC Lab Managers at an exciting time in JIC's development. They will have responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of existing science buildings, be a crucial interface between science users and other support functions (including Health and Safety, Facilities, contractors, and suppliers) and will be closely involved in the development of a new integrated net-zero carbon science centre – incorporating the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory. The main duties of the role will include: To act as Building Safety Officer, in collaboration with the NBIP HSEQA team, monitoring safety compliance, providing training, assistance and guidance on all safety matters, including the preparation of standard operating procedures, risk assessments, etc., reviewing and preparing incident reports and ensuring remedial action is taken as needed.
Review and management of equipment requirements, procurement, deployment, and maintenance.
Shared management of the JIC Lab Support Team, to maximise operational efficiency, liaising with senior science staff and senior management where needed.
Review, plan and oversee infrastructure projects of various sizes.
JIC is entering an exciting phase of its development as it realises a vision for major improvements in laboratory accommodation - the Next Generation Infrastructure programme. Some development of the role is expected as the project proceeds and applicants must be able to work flexibly and respond positively to changing demands and duties, including in the lead up to the move to a new building. The ideal candidate: The ideal candidate will have a BSc in a relevant science subject and/ or Chartered Scientist Registration. You will have working knowledge of the impact of Health and Safety legislation, including biological and chemical safety principles, in the scientific workplace. You will also have experience of working within a large inter-disciplinary laboratory environment and good IT skills. The post holder will have substantial experience in a research environment, with experience of supervising, training, or mentoring colleagues, as well as effective planning and project management skills. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity, as well as the ability to engage with staff at all levels. Additional information: Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship. Should you require any further details on the role please contact Gary Wortley: . We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. #J-18808-Ljbffr