Quadrant Laboratory Operations Manager - Chemistry

Reports to: Science Support Manager (Hub Lead) in the Service Delivery Team

Employment: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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

We are seeking a Quadrant Manager – Chemistry, to join the Service Delivery Team at the Francis Crick Institute. At the Crick, each research floor brings together around 40 laboratories and associated Science Technology Platforms (STPs), supporting a vibrant community of up to 450 staff. In this role, you will take responsibility for the Chemistry quadrant, as well as Skylab; a purpose-built facility that integrates chemistry and biology laboratories and is leased to a commercial partner. As a Quadrant Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Chemistry quadrant, supporting key areas such as health and safety, space management, and the maintenance of equipment and facilities used by scientists. You will also act as a vital link between research and operational teams, enabling Crick scientists to carry out world-leading research. You will oversee and support laboratory operations within your designated quadrant, working closely with fellow Quadrant Managers to ensure that laboratory spaces and resources are used efficiently, safely, and to their full potential.

What you will be doing

• Oversee laboratory operations in your quadrant
• Support the efficient day to day running of the chemistry Quadrant and Skylab, providing assistance and advice to ensure that all activities within the laboratories comply with Crick policies
• Support the on-and offboarding of laboratories, including allocation of lab space, and co-ordination of lab moves
• Maintain up-to-date floor maps, and provide reporting on space utilisation
• Drive process improvement
• Collaborate with other Quadrant Managers to streamline processes and share best practices, ensuring consistent and resilient operational support across all science floors
• Support the Technical Team Managers with the supervision and development of the Laboratory Operations Assistants and Technicians for the quadrant as needed. These Technical staff provide operational support in orders, stocking, asset management, and housekeeping across the whole research floor
• Take a leading role in Crick-wide initiatives relating to chemical management including but not limited to implementation of a chemical database and optimization of chemical risk assessment
• Promote health and safety
• Assist the Health and Safety team and Group Leaders in making sure work is carried out safely and in compliance with relevant policies and regulations
• Use the Control of Works process to manage engineer access
• Manage communal equipment and consumables
• Oversee the upkeep, servicing and repair of communal equipment, and manage redistribution or removal of surplus/obsolete equipment
• Support the Asset Management team with service contracts and warranties
• Contribute to institute-wide initiatives
• Use expertise to support the development and implementation of new processes and systems to improve lab support
• Create guidance documents and standard operating procedures, embedding them through use of quality control, management information, and service level agreements

About you

You will have:

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent in chemistry or extensive laboratory management experience with administrative responsibilities
• Some experience of working in a chemistry laboratory
• A collaborative approach and ability to build professional working relationships with stakeholders at all organisational levels
• Broad understanding of scientific procedures and specialist equipment within a research environment
• Experience of COSHH risk assessment and with a level of understanding of biological, and radiological safety, or in working alongside H&S experts
• Budget management experience for equipment and consumables
• Strong, pragmatic problem-solving skills, be able to balance operational needs with the bigger picture and the strategic goals of the Institute
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to deal confidently and diplomatically with a diverse range of staff

About Working at the Crick

Our values:

• 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, and circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and 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. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: weronika.kucala@crick.ac.uk

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:

• 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%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.