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- Tasks: Lead and oversee biological services, ensuring compliance and ethical governance in research.
- Company: A leading university committed to excellence in biomedical research and education.
- Benefits: 41+ days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and various staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse community that values your unique contributions and fosters personal development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on research ethics and governance while shaping future scientists.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and extensive leadership experience in regulated environments required.
The predicted salary is between 61759 - 69488 ÂŁ per year.
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 biological services supporting biomedical facilities. The postholder ensures 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, 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 brings 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 the 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.
Criteria
Essential and desirable qualifications and experience upon which stages of assessment are based:
- 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.
- Desirable: evidence of sector leadership or contribution to national initiatives.
Additional 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
Agenda Screening check is required as a condition of employment.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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 (Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, and Parents’ networks).
- Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- Commitment to development, access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with the Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
Director of Biological Services employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Biological Services
✨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 required for the Director of Biological Services role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! Think of examples where you've supported others in developing high-quality Project Licence applications. This will highlight your ability to lead and develop teams, which is crucial for this position.
✨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
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 mention any experience you have with ASPA, Home Office licensing, or mentoring researchers. This will help us see that you have the expertise we need for this position.
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 The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Regulations Inside Out
As a candidate for the Director of Biological Services, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and related regulatory frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of ASPA and be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
This role demands extensive senior leadership experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and influenced institutional policy. Highlight any successful projects where your strategic thinking made a significant impact.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Expect questions around bioethics and governance. Prepare to discuss your experience with ethical review processes and how you’ve promoted ethical standards in past positions. Think about how you can influence institutional culture towards transparency and responsibility.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Skills
Mentoring is key in this role, especially in developing high-quality Project Licence applications. Share examples of how you've supported and guided researchers in their training and development, particularly in delivering accredited Home Office training modules.