Shared Research Facilities Business Manager

at  University of Glasgow

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) at the University of Glasgow (https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/) has the mission of transforming lives by tackling the major biomedical and life sciences challenges locally and globally through internationally leading research, teaching and practice. MVLS has a proven track record of innovation and following the restructure of MVLS into eight schools has recently established the Shared Research Facilities (SRF).
The SRF encompass a range of technology-focused central facilities that deliver expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation to support researchers at all levels as well as training opportunities for postgraduate students The SRF covers specialist areas that include protein analysis (biophysical characterisation and protein purification), mass spectrometry (proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics), molecular analysis (next generation sequencing), cellular analysis (microscopy and flow cytometry) and imaging (whole body human and animal 7T MRI). The SRF is used by multiple research groups within MVLS and across the University of Glasgow and helps to support the research worth millions of pounds from a variety of funders e.g. UKRI, Wellcome and BHF. Within the SRF there are six individual facilities each of which has a Technical Lead who collectively manage over 25 scientific staff.

JOB PURPOSE

This post is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the running of the SRF. Working with the Head of Facilities and Technical Leads together with colleagues across MVLS including Principal Investigators, Finance, Research Management, Marketing and Communications, Innovation and Professional Services the post-holder will be responsible for managing the operational delivery of the SRF. The post-holder will possess high levels of organisational and interpersonal skills, demonstrating initiative and flexibility to ensure that workloads are managed and prioritised and that targets and deadlines are met for the effective and efficient day-to-day running of the SRF. The post-holder will also take a lead role in overseeing the financial administration of the SRF as well as coordinating strategic funding applications and supporting development of new opportunities through events, marketing and conferences.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibility for the operational management of the SRF leading on administration, financial planning as well as the delivery of strategic objectives to support the long-term sustainability of the SRF.
• Key contributor to the delivery of operational models, which will include the design and implementation of frameworks to manage, monitor and report on progress of milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Responsibility for the roll out and maintenance of pricing models for cost recovery and collaboration. This will include financial forecasting and the collation of service and equipment usage to achieve compliance with TRAC (Transparent Approach to Costing) requirements.
• Coordination of strategic funding applications (internal and external) and supporting development of new opportunities through events, marketing and conferences.
• Develop, maintain and enhance effective communications with all key users, managing expectations and ensuring delivery of exceptional customer service on a day-to-day basis. This will include enhance collaborative working with Technical Leads, having oversight of the SRF booking systems and managing the enquiries/opportunities pipeline to ensure opportunities are maximised.
• Develop ‘soft infrastructure’ requirements of the research facilities including signposting and providing information for potential users, promotion and marketing of the SRF and seminars.
• Responsibility for the review, development and implementation of appropriate systems and procedures for the collation of data/information to support the SRF. This will involve creating and preparing outcomes and forecast metrics for a variety of reporting needs (internal and external) including activity reports and statistical data on the use of and outputs from (e.g. publications and grants) the SRF.
• Provide specialist knowledge and expertise to develop, implement and maintain a range of initiatives to drive and enhance engagement with SRF.
• Responsible and accountable for the quality and professionalism of the SRF service delivery, by identifying service shortfalls and coordinating the design and delivery of solutions to maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity.
• Lead and organise a range of externally facing activities, which offer opportunities to further enhance SRF objectives, (e.g. preparation of technical promotional material; industry visit programmes) and others as required as a means of identifying new internal and external users and developing collaborative partnerships.
• Plan and organise individual and team activity, including line managing administrative staff within the SRF, ensuring plans and actions complement broader operational/strategic plans.
• Engage and keep up to date with SRF and College strategies.
• Conduct such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required, commensurate with your grade.