Technical Manager (Facilities & Projects)

About us:

The Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) focuses on deciphering how neural circuits assemble during development, from neural patterning to synapse formation and plasticity, and how disruption of this process leads to disease. The research in the Centre is based on a variety of model systems, including human in vitro approaches, and is generally structured around three main programmes: Building brains, Circuit Assembly, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to core facilities providing dedicated support in genotyping, histology, viral production, cell and tissue cultures, bioinformatics, microscopy and image analysis. The department partners with Medical Research Council (MRC) to make up the world-leading MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role:

To lead on the strategic planning, management and development of departmental space, facilities, and physical resources, ensuring that infrastructure effectively supports current and future scientific and operational needs.

Postholder will provide management and effective co-ordination of space allocation to meet the changing needs of the department in partnership with the Managing Director.

They will be responsible for maintaining oversight of office and laboratory and facility layouts to optimise utilisation and functionality and the project management off all building works and refurbishments working with Kings Estates and Facilities and external contractors.

The postholder will also be expected to manage departmental technical services including Fly Food preparation, Molecular Biology/Virus services, mouse genotyping and microscopy

This role is expected to be based on site, five days per week at Guy’s Campus, reflecting the requirement for close engagement with laboratories, facilities and stakeholders. Limited and occasional remote working may be agreed by exception, subject to operational needs.

You will be offered a full-time position on an indefinite contract.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in biomedical science or related subject or MSc with commensurate experience
• Ability to lead, manage and coordinate projects (including modifications to laboratory space) in interaction with different stakeholders, e.g. engineers, contractors, estate department other facilities.
• Experience of managing a team of people
• Experience of managing resources in a laboratory environment (for example space utilisation, shared equipment) and dealing with suppliers and procuring large items of equipment/service contracts
• Excellent written communication skills and an ability to produce reports and other documents clearly and concisely
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to prioritise own workload and be able to work to deadlines
• Strong IT skills (MS Office and collaborative tools such as Sharepoint, MS Teams)
• Strong awareness and application of financial and environmental sustainability to work

Desirable criteria

• Extensive research experience in biomedical/molecular subject
• Familiarity with equipment booking and recharging systems such as PPMS or Helix
• Familiarity in Research Facility management