Experimental Project Manager in Harwell

Overall Purpose

To take a key role in managing the in‑vivo work in the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC). This post would be a main point of contact between researchers and technicians, advising, planning and organising experiments using genetically altered mouse models. This post requires a strong scientific background, including experience in experimental design, as well as good knowledge on the use of genetically altered models and exceptional organisational and communication skills. All work will be carried out under Home Office regulations (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act amended 2012) after thorough ethical justification.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with researchers to set up new experiments, including requirement gathering, advising on the best course of action, checking relevant licensing, and generating detailed experimental plans.
• Generate quotes and timelines for new experiments.
• Responsible for the delivery and completion of experimental plans, communicating between teams to ensure that all work is carried out on time and to the correct standards.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001 for all projects for which the post-holder is responsible.
• Review and quality check data produced in projects for which the post-holder is responsible.
• Lead meetings with research groups to update each other on progress and plans for subsequent weeks.
• Assist in writing and critique of new project licences for experimental work at the MLC.
• Deputise for other managers in their absence.

Working Relationships

The post-holder will work under the direction of the Scientific Manager of the MLC but with significant autonomy to manage projects. The post-holder will liaise with external researchers to both inform on project progress and advise on the best course of action. Significant cross‑team communication will be required within the MLC, including with husbandry, phenotyping and necropsy teams to ensure efficient delivery of projects.

Person Requirements

Education/Qualifications/Training Required – Essential

• PhD in Genetics or Biology.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required – Desirable

• Home Office personal licence (PIL).

Previous Work Experience Required – Essential

• Post‑doctoral or equivalent position managing a research project.
• Experience in analysing experimental data.
• Experience in designing studies.

Previous Work Experience Required – Desirable

• Experience in clinical trials or drug studies.

Knowledge and Experience – Essential

• Genuine interest in the welfare of animals.
• Experience in working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
• Experience in using statistics.

Knowledge and Experience – Desirable

• Knowledge of complex genetic alterations, conditional systems, CRISPR/Cas9.

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities – Essential

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously and make decisions.
• Good communication and ability to work across multiple teams.
• Self‑motivated and positive influence on other team members.

Equality & Diversity

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements

• Code of Conduct.
• Equality and Diversity policy.
• Health and Safety policy.
• Data Protection and Security policy.

The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.