At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives in research labs and promote eco-friendly practices.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, committed to innovative and sustainable research.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with strong values and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Post-A-level science qualifications and experience in research or teaching environments.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 47389 € per year.
The University of Sheffield is committed to delivering its core mission of life‑enhancing research, innovation and education in the most sustainable way possible. Our newly updated Sustainability Strategy sets ambitious plans to reduce both direct and indirect impacts of our activities and embed sustainability into our culture. The Sustainable Lab Manager will play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of our world‑class research by increasing pro‑environmental behaviour across the faculties, embedding sustainability in research culture, identifying opportunities and delivering innovative initiatives, and acting as an expert adviser on lab design and development.
Responsibilities
- Increase pro‑environmental behaviour across the faculties through the ongoing management and development of LEAF.
- Embed sustainability in the organisation's research culture by contributing to the development of organisational / faculty policies, procedures and standards.
- Identify opportunities and deliver innovative initiatives and projects.
- Act as a point of expertise and advise design teams and colleagues on best practice during the lab design and development of new and refurbished lab facilities, ensuring efficient use of space and resources.
- Work collaboratively with environmental professionals and faculty colleagues to build a network of strong relationships, delivering tangible and continual improvements in environmental performance, and evaluate and share learning across the organisation.
- Oversee the management and ongoing development of LEAF and ensure organisational targets are achieved (100% enrollment of suitable labs by 2027, 100% certification to bronze by 2028, 100% certification to silver by 2030).
- Manage the LEAF internal audit process and certification.
- Provide support to faculties through the development of guidance and documentation, in‑person events, and specialist advice.
- Contribute to the development of organisational / faculty policies, procedures and standards that support best practice in lab‑based research activities.
- Review and evaluate data and management information (expenditure, energy use, carbon emissions) to baseline performance, identify opportunities for improvement and report using KPIs.
- Develop, plan and prioritise a programme that improves laboratory efficiencies and helps deliver the University’s environmental objectives.
- Develop business cases, undertake cost‑benefit analyses and make recommendations to senior colleagues and committees to obtain funding/approval for new projects.
- Work closely with colleagues across the faculties and EFM, leading and contributing to the delivery of projects and initiatives, ensuring resources and finances are available.
- Delegate work and tasks within project teams and ensure work is completed to the required standard, within agreed timescales and allocated budgets.
- Act as a sustainability advocate on development projects, engaging with design teams and clients/end‑users, ensuring project‑specific sustainable lab design requirements and targets are developed, agreed and delivered.
- Provide advice and support on sustainable lab design, operation and procurement of resource‑efficient equipment.
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
- Relevant post‑A‑level qualifications in a science subject (essential).
- Significant experience of working in a science, medicine and/or engineering research or teaching environment (essential).
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues and best practice in higher or further education, NHS, pharma or R&D sectors (essential).
- Experience of managing and delivering short‑term projects, including setting objectives, priorities, planning delivery and meeting deadlines (essential).
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and engage colleagues at all levels, including senior managers and other professionals, to engender change (essential).
- Ability to think laterally, creatively and independently and identify opportunities for improvement (essential).
- Experience of reviewing data and information, assessing options, writing reports and making formal recommendations to senior colleagues (essential).
- Experience of developing policies, procedures and standards and implementing them within a large organisation (essential).
- Ability to support, advise, motivate, lead and mentor small teams of people (essential).
- Highly motivated with the ability to work on own initiative and manage, plan and prioritise own workload (essential).
- Experience of being part of multi‑disciplinary project teams and working closely with a wide range of colleagues and taking responsibility for the delivery of specific tasks (desirable).
Compensation and Details
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £38,784 to £47,389 per annum pro‑rata, with potential progression to £51,753 through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Work arrangement: Full time
- Line manager: Environment and IMS Manager
- Direct reports: None
Benefits
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
- A commitment to your development with access to learning and mentoring schemes and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies:
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
- Support for those going through menopause.
- Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
- And more.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.
Sustainable Lab Manager in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation within its world-class research environment. With generous benefits such as 41 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee development through mentoring and learning opportunities, the university provides a supportive atmosphere for professional growth. Additionally, the inclusive work culture, bolstered by various staff networks and family-friendly policies, ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Lab Manager in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at the University of Sheffield. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on sustainability trends and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the University's goals. Show them you're passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience and ideas. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Lab Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Sustainable Lab Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion for Sustainability:We want to see your enthusiasm for sustainability! Share any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Sustainability Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in sustainability, especially in lab environments. Familiarise yourself with the University of Sheffield's Sustainability Strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, particularly those that involved setting objectives and meeting deadlines. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and deliver results, as this role requires strong project management capabilities.
✨Engage with Your Interpersonal Skills
This position involves influencing and engaging colleagues at all levels. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams or persuaded stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices. Be prepared to share these stories!
✨Prepare for Data Discussions
Since the role involves reviewing data and making recommendations, be ready to talk about your experience with data analysis. Bring examples of how you've used data to identify opportunities for improvement and how you communicated your findings effectively.
