JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Laboratory Service Manager to join our Infrastructure and Laboratories Services Function within the Corporate group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The roles will be based onsite at our Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Relevant scientific or technical background/knowledge, to include a degree in a scientific subject or equivalent relevant experience.
• Staff Management and Contract Management background/knowledge
• In depth understanding of sterilisation and decontamination of hazardous material as well as use and maintenance of a wide variety of laboratory equipment including Microbiological Safety Cabinets. Likely to be achieved by working in a laboratory environment, using and operating the equipment.
• You can make plans and are well prepared. You seek to maximise time and productivity.
• Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives, and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money.

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

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

• 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: Experience and understanding of using and maintaining Autoclaves and Microbiological safety cabinets, including hazards of working with these types of equipment.
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

TYPE OF ROLE

Environment and Sustainability
Estates
Health and Safety
Operational Delivery
Procurement and Contracts Management
Property

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The post holder is responsible for managing the Laboratory Services Team to allow the scientific functions to be delivered; ensuring the effective delivery of laboratory services, consisting of sterile glassware, materials and equipment, decontamination of hazardous biological waste as well as contract management to provide planned preventative maintenance (PPM), calibration and repair of a variety of laboratory equipment to support the South Mimms Site, including high containment and clean room facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the line management of the Laboratory Services Team to provide sterile glassware, equipment, consumables and a wide range of safety critical laboratory equipment and centralised contracts to support the Agency Science and Research Function.
• Contract manage various centralised contracts to maintain, calibrate and repair laboratory equipment, such as; microbiological safety cabinets, autoclaves and other equipment to meet the needs of the science. Accountable for the validation and decontamination and of hazardous biological waste using large autoclaves.
• Manage the planned preventative maintenance program for the laboratory equipment ensuring it is fit for purpose, safe to use and in good working order, co-ordinating with scientific and engineering colleagues and supervising specialist contractors.
• Manage projects, such as capital projects for new equipment or process, contract or technology projects to improve efficiency / save money with defined objectives to meet the future needs of the site and make improvements and efficiencies in Laboratory Equipment Services functions.

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