BSU Unit Manager (Biological Support Unit)

at  Babraham Institute

Job Advert
An excellent and rare opportunity has arisen in our animal facility, and we are seeking a full-time Unit Manager to join the Biological Support Unit (BSU) of the Babraham Institute. This position will allow an opportunity to someone already experienced with managing animal units, also to those who are looking to enhance their already proven management skills within the industry and who are looking to continue their career progression.
The post is to manage on a day-to-day basis a large stand-alone commercial rodent unit within the BSU which is equipped with modern and state of the art equipment. We are looking for someone with relevant experience of working within a modern animal facility using modern automation systems e.g. IVCs, automatic animal drinking watering systems. The post holder will be required to regularly liaise with their line manager and Agenda Resource Management to ensure client service level provision is being met to the required high standards, and to discuss and plan forthcoming current, and new clients demands with both mouse breeding, and experimental protocols.
Due to the activities within the Commercial unit the post holder will need to have both a very good understanding of the required animal husbandry skills, and a very good understanding of both mouse breeding systems and experimental study protocols. The post holder will already have previous experience of managing resources to provide scientific support to commercial clients in delivering accurate, reproducible science.
The post holder will report to one of the Co-Heads of Facility and will have their own team of unit Supervisors to assist them in the day-to-day operations of their unit.
The post holder will have exceptional standards of animal welfare and attention to detail and will be responsible for all aspects of staff management as well as being the named NACWO for their unit.
We are looking for an individual with energy and enthusiasm who can strategically plan, have a high level of prioritising their own work and that of the team they are responsible for. We encourage unit managers to work with a degree of autonomy. Someone with previous commercial experience who is highly motivated, and who can motivate their team, will be key to the success of this role.
The post holder will need to be qualified to at least IAT Membership/Level 3, ideally higher.
The post holder will need to be aware of current relevant health and safety regulations and will take a leading role within their unit with all health and safety matters.
You will be required to be part of a rota for the on-call team to provide 24-hour call-out for response to equipment (IVCs, automatic-watering) and Building Management System (BMS) alarms. Being part of the on-call team will be remunerated in addition to salary.
A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to laura@babraham.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 27th October 2024. However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.
The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.
The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community, which includes the BSU, Scientific Facilities, Computing, Stores & Purchasing, Technical Services, Health & Safety and the Research Assistant communities.

Please refer the Job description for details