Overall purpose:
The Biological Samples Shipping Coordinator role will support Harwell’s standing as a national/international centre for mouse resources. Our clients include an extensive network of UK collaborators and overseas clients. The primary function of this role will be to coordinate the exportation of biological materials to the scientific community around the world.
The post-holder will work within the Laboratory Services team and will work closely with other departments to maximise operational efficiency.
Experience within an outward-facing environment, customer service or administration role would be ideal. This role will suit a person who has an aptitude to learn and the passion to grow, as full training and support will be provided. The post-holder will need to be a team player, customer focused, possess excellent communication skills, and have a keen eye for detail.
Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:
Working within a team environment at the Mary Lyon Centre (MLC), Harwell, the post-holder’s principal responsibility will be to support the processes involved in shipping biological samples from MRC Harwell.
Examples of the type of activity this may involve are:
1. Physically locating and packing biological samples before shipment (including packaging on dry ice and liquid nitrogen)
2. Working with other members of staff dedicated to dissemination of resources and assisting them as and when necessary
3. Liaising with investigators within the MRC and other universities/institutes to coordinate the dissemination of biological samples
4. Verifying the details of shipments being sent out
5. Building relationships and liaising with courier companies to ensure the safe delivery of shipments
6. Ensuring that the quality and accuracy of our delivery services are maintained
7. Other inventory management tasks
Working Relationships:
The post-holder will report directly to the Head of Laboratory Services and will be expected to develop and maintain good working relationships with other departments, as well as scientific staff at all levels, to optimise information flow and understanding of all requirements.
The post-holder will also need to independently develop professional working relationships with clients and shipping organisations.
Other Information:
The post-holder is expected to play an active role in improving the effectivity and efficiency of biological sampling management and coordinating the exchange of resources between MRC Harwell and the wider scientific community.
This post is suited to someone who is a committed team player and who is flexible and happy to embrace work at all levels. They should also be prepared to interact with a wide variety of people to bring projects to a successful conclusion within the required timeframe.
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Education/Qualifications/Training Required:
Essential:
8. GCSE maths and English
Desirable:
9. HNC or equivalent in a science subject
Previous Work Experience Required:
Essential:
10. Previous experience in an environment involving a wide range of outward-facing activities and/or administrative tasks
Desirable:
11. Experience of working in a biological environment in which goods and services are exchanged within an academic or commercial organisation
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential:
12. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-throughput service role
13. Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
14. Ability to understand/use IT packages and databases at an Intermediate level
Desirable:
15. Experience in the importation/exportation of biological or other materials
16. Knowledge of shipping regulations by land, air and sea or the willingness to attend training
17. Experience of using a laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:
Essential:
18. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written)
19. Self-motivated, with good time-management skills
20. Ability to prioritise tasks efficiently
21. Can apply imagination and independent thinking to a variety of challenges
22. Good attention to detail
23. Ability to work independently and use initiative to resolve problems
24. Commitment to providing good customer service
Desirable:
25. A proven ability to work to tight deadlines within a busy environment
26. Ability to deal with a wide range of people from different disciplines and at various levels in an organisation
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