At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee biological services, ensuring compliance and ethical governance in research.
- Company: University of Sheffield, a leader in biomedical research and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to ethical research and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on research ethics and governance in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and extensive leadership experience in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 61759 - 69488 € per year.
The Director of Biological Services provides senior strategic leadership for the governance, regulatory compliance, operational delivery, and strategic development of all University of Sheffield biological services that support biomedical facilities. The postholder will provide executive oversight to ensure full compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), associated legislation, and all relevant regulatory, ethical, health and safety, and information governance frameworks.
Acting on behalf of the University, the Director serves as a principal adviser to senior leadership, deputises for the Establishment Licence Holder (ELH), and provides executive assurance across all statutory named roles. The role influences institutional research strategy, shapes governance frameworks, and ensures sustainable infrastructure to support research priorities. The postholder will bring extensive experience in teaching and training within the regulatory framework, including delivery of accredited Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and Project Licence (PPL) modules.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and institutional authority for bioethics, regulatory compliance, and scientific governance.
- Deputise for the Establishment Licence Holder, exercising delegated institutional authority and executive oversight of licensing strategy, ensuring alignment between ethical review processes and licensing requirements.
- Hold statutory named roles: Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) and Named Information Officer (NIO).
- Lead the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), ensuring robust ethical review and scientific challenge.
- Provide executive leadership for all Biological Services operations, infrastructure, and service capability.
- Support and mentor academic staff in the development of high-quality Project Licence applications and amendments.
- Lead and develop managers and multidisciplinary teams to create a high-performance culture.
- Represent the University externally with regulators, professional bodies, and sector networks.
- Manage institutional risk, including responses to regulatory inspections and Freedom of Information requests.
- Influence institutional policy and decision-making at the executive and senior leadership levels.
- Promote institutional ethical standards and governance excellence, and support researchers in meeting ethical and regulatory requirements.
- Influence institutional culture to promote ethical responsibility and transparency.
- Ensure services are sustainable, efficient, and aligned with institutional priorities.
- Ensure the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) are embedded institutionally.
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Degree (or higher) in a relevant life sciences, biomedical, veterinary, or related discipline, or strong evidence of equivalent relevant experience.
- Extensive senior leadership experience within a regulated biological research environment.
- Expert knowledge of ASPA, Home Office licensing, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience delivering accredited Home Office PIL and/or PPL training.
- Experience mentoring researchers in Project Licence (PPL) development.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong strategic thinking, decision‑making, and organisational leadership capability.
- Excellent influencing, leadership, and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience deputising for an Establishment Licence Holder.
- Evidence of sector leadership or contribution to national initiatives.
Further Information
- Grade: 9
- Salary: £61,759–£69,488
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: Permanent
- Line manager: Establishment Licence Holder
- Direct reports: Biological Services Technical Manager, Aquarium Manager, Aquarium Resource Manager, Home Office Liaison Contact, and Personal Assistant
The post requires the postholder to undertake an Agenda Screening check as a condition of employment.
Equal Opportunities
The University is a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Director of Biological Services in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of biological services. With a strong commitment to employee development, the university provides extensive training opportunities and encourages a culture of ethical responsibility and transparency. Located in a vibrant city, employees benefit from a supportive community and access to cutting-edge research facilities, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Biological Services in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biological services field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ASPA and regulatory frameworks. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the strategic leadership needed for the Director role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or influenced policy. This will help you stand out as someone who can drive the high-performance culture the University is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Biological Services in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Biological Services. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about strategic leadership, don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to influence and inspire others!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be sure to emphasise your knowledge of ASPA and any experience you have with Home Office licensing. This is crucial for us, so make it stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and other relevant regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of ethical review processes and licensing requirements, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in a regulated biological research environment. Highlight specific examples where you’ve influenced institutional policy or led multidisciplinary teams to success.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience mentoring researchers, especially in developing Project Licence applications. Share success stories that illustrate your ability to guide others through complex regulatory frameworks.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would influence institutional research strategy and governance frameworks. Be prepared to discuss your strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, as well as how you would promote ethical standards within the institution.
