Overview
Join to apply for the Lab Manager for Education role at The Francis Crick Institute.
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. We support an open, collaborative culture with state-of-the-art facilities to turn science into benefits for human health and the economy.
About the role
We are looking for a Laboratory Manager to join the Education team within the Public Engagement group. One of the Crick’s strategic priorities is to engage and inspire the public through public events and exhibitions, education outreach (EO), and community engagement programmes, backed by active research scientists who engage with the public. The role of the Laboratory Manager for Education is to ensure the smooth running of the education spaces, provide logistic support to the EO programme, and act as an approachable face of the EO programme for audiences and collaborators.
You will manage the Weston Discovery Lab (WDL) – the Crick’s on-site lab for school visits – acting as the point of contact for enquiries and ensuring efficient day-to-day running. You will also work on procurement and budget assistance, oversee the budget, manage the team’s credit card, and monitor consumables for the EO programme.
This role may also contribute technical scientific knowledge to help develop science activities for the education programme, including preparation of equipment and reagents used in Crick experiments and those dispatched to schools.
Responsibilities also include maintaining databases of assets, tracking and replenishing equipment, and leading the Camden school equipment loan programme – promoting and managing the loan scheme.
A significant part of the role involves assisting with audience visits to the onsite Education lab, managing arrival and departure of school groups, supporting workshops, and acting as a welcoming face of the Crick’s Education programme.
What you will be doing
As a Laboratory Manager for Education at the Crick, your main responsibilities will include:
* Managing the Weston Discovery Lab (WDL; on-site lab for school visits)
* Support the efficient day-to-day running of the WDL, advising on activities to ensure compliance with Crick policies.
* Manage the WDL space; act as the point of contact for enquiries; ensure equipment is used safely.
* Ensure safety compliance for the WDL and prep room; check for damage, arrange repairs, and maintain tidiness.
* Write and maintain SOPs for the use of the WDL.
* Procurement and Budget assisting
* Assist the budget holder in overseeing team spend and budgeting.
* Hold the team credit card; ensure secure access and compliant usage; verify spend on MiVision in a timely manner and manage the Amazon business account.
* Activity preps
* Contribute technical scientific knowledge to help develop practical science activities for the education programme.
* Prepare molecular biology reagents for genetics workshops.
* Assets
* Maintain a database of assets, including Crick barcodes and locations.
* Track, maintain and replenish equipment and consumables for EO programme delivery and development.
* Health, Safety, Sustainability and Security
* Lead on supporting the team to write and sign off relevant risk assessments, manage regular reviews, and share with stakeholders. Provide training where necessary.
* Manage equipment for loan activities
* Manage the Camden school equipment loan programme with efficient booking, return and inventory processes; write SOPs, risk assessments, and guidance.
* Lead on promotion and management of the loan scheme, ensuring awareness across the building through advertising and communications. Deliver training and promote best practices.
* Assisting with audience visits to the Education lab
* Set up and take down equipment for school visits, arrange furniture as needed.
* Manage arrivals and departures of school groups; be a welcoming face of the Crick’s education programme.
Note: This role involves manual handling and setting up of furniture in the lab.
About you
You will have:
* A degree in a science discipline or equivalent, and/or extensive laboratory management experience.
* Budget management experience, handling consumables and equipment budgets.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with staff at all levels and with young people aged 5–18.
* An understanding of strategic management and operational issues within a research institute.
* Broad understanding and experience of scientific procedures and equipment in a research institute, including knowledge of recombinant DNA techniques (PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis) and troubleshooting.
* Knowledge of health and safety issues, including biological and chemical safety; experience of risk assessments.
Working at the Crick
Our values
* We are bold. We encourage creative, dynamic, and imaginative ideas and approaches.
* We are open. We are highly collaborative and ensure our activities are visible to the outside world.
* We are collegial. We show respect, work cooperatively, and support the wider community.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you need adjustments, please let us know when you apply.
What will you receive?
We offer a range of benefits to support well-being and development:
* Generous leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
* Pension scheme: Defined contribution with employer contributions up to 16%.
* 24/7 GP services, occupational health and mental health support.
* Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
* Work-life balance options and childcare support allowances.
* Annual leave purchase options and access to Crick networks for support and events.
* Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
* Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Note: Please meet the essential criteria listed in the Role Profile to be considered. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time due to applications. Apply soon.
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Education, Science, and Research
Industries
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