Director of Biological Services in Sheffield

The Director of Biological Services provides senior strategic leadership, with institutional responsibility 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:

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• 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.
• Experience deputising for an Establishment Licence Holder.
• Evidence of sector leadership or contribution to national initiatives.

Further Information:

• Grade 9
• 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

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Penny Jackson, Faculty Director of Operations, Science at penny.jackson@sheffield.ac.uk

Benefits:

• A minimum of 41 days of annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days, with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• 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 (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, and Parents’ networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.

We are 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.

Agenda Screening – This role requires the postholder to undertake an Agenda Screening check as a condition of employment.