JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Biological Sciences Facility Manager to join our Analytical and Biological Science team within the Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be primarily site based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Our successful candidate will have:

• A degree and higher qualification in life sciences and/or equivalent Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) level 6 qualification or Fellowship and significant relevant experience
• Registered Animal Technician status
• Experience of specialist working within the Animal Technology field e.g. biocontainment systems (at CL3 as a minimum), GM breeding programmes, technical procedures (e.g. surgical procedures)
• Demonstratable extensive experience and knowledge of working to ASPA
• Extensive experience of developing, leading, and fostering a high performing team of staff, including acting as a mentor, and issue resolution

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Communicating and Influencing.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of extensive experience of developing, leading, and fostering a high performing team of staff, including acting as a mentor, and issue resolution. Can coach staff at all grades and levels of experience. Excellent management skills to enable staff to be highly effective and motivated. A proven track record of training people in animal facilities.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The Biological Sciences Facility Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the Biological Services unit, ensuring excellence in animal care, housing, and scientific use. The role is crucial in supporting the agency’s statutory duties in regulatory research, preparation of reference materials, and biological medicines evaluation. This includes a strong focus on infectious disease studies, biological medicines, countermeasures, and biologics.
As an expert in animal technology, the role holder will lead a highly skilled technical team, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards. Additionally, they will act as the primary liaison between Biological Services and facilities teams to ensure effective and proactive operation and maintenance of the animal housing facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the daily operations of the animal facility, including resource deployment for scientific and husbandry needs, during the working week, weekends and out-of-hours requirements.
• Be the liaison point with the Infrastructure and Facilities team on facility projects, ranging from minor repairs to major refurbishments, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Act as a deputy for the Head of Biological Services when required.
• Oversee contracts and procurement processes related to the Unit operations.
• Coordinate document reviews and updates for Quality Management and Health & Safety to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with the Establishment Licence Holder, Home Office Liaison Contact, and Named Persons to maintain compliance with Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and health and safety regulations.
• Monitor animal welfare, husbandry, and regulated procedures, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical and scientific standards.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required