Quadrant Laboratory Operations Manager

Salary for this Role: From £52,120 per annum plus benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

About us… The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role… You will support and maintain laboratory operations in a quadrant and throughout the institute. This will be in the region of 10 research laboratories as well as Science Technology Platforms (STPs), covering over 100 people. The role is an important link with Group Leaders, Laboratory Research Scientists (LRSs), Postdocs, Students, Health and Safety (H&S), HR, Procurement, Finance, Logistics and Facilities & Infrastructure (F&I) teams, as well as working closely with other Quadrant Managers. Requiring the ability to manage multiple activities competing for your attention, this is a crucial and demanding role which is ultimately extremely satisfying.

What you will be doing… As a Quadrant Laboratory Operations Manager at the Crick, you will:

• Support the efficient day to day running of the research laboratories located on the quadrant, including STPs, providing assistance and advice to ensure that all activities within the laboratories comply with Crick policies.
• Contribute to lab space planning with the quadrant laboratories e.g., upgrades, refurbishments and repairs including overseeing commissioning of areas in a quadrant, working closely with the Facilities & Infrastructure Team.
• Support the Technical Team Manager with the supervision and development of the Laboratory Operations Assistants/Technicians for the quadrant.
• Support the Asset Management Team by providing local quadrant knowledge for service contract agreements and existing warranties for laboratory equipment, including managing surplus/obsolete equipment.
• Liaise with the Procurement Team to negotiate best costs when purchasing equipment and consumables for the quadrant laboratories.
• Provide health and safety support for the Quadrant, raise permits to work for engineers to enter CL2 areas, carry out induction and training of scientists on quadrant SOPs (PPE, disposal of waste, local rules etc.).

About you… You will bring… Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in a science discipline or have extensive laboratory management experience. Good knowledge of relevant Health and Safety issues including biological, radiological and chemical safety. Training will be provided as required (i.e. NEBOSH, IOSH). The post-holder must have a broad understanding and experience of scientific procedures and specialised equipment requirements within a research environment. Excellent relationship building skills and problem-solving ability, with an understanding of the demands in a research science environment.

About Working at the Crick… Our values: Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we will make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

What will you receive? At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services, Occupational health services and mental health support programs, Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, Childcare support allowance, Annual leave purchase options, Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts, Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training and mentoring.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level. Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success. The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.