Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources

Medical Research Council; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Medical Research Council seeks a Deputy Manager for the Genetics and Biological Resources at the Mary Lyon Centre. The successful candidate will enhance the National Mouse Archive services, manage biological exchanges, and lead scientific teams. A PhD in Biological Sciences with experience in reproductive biology and project management is essential for this role in an innovative research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD and further experience in Biological Sciences, involving reproductive biology and molecular techniques.
• Experience in managing biological resources and research projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance of the National Mouse Archive and oversee biological resource exchanges.
• Manage assisted reproduction services and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate between various teams and external researchers for project delivery.

Skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Molecular biology techniques

Reproductive biology

Education

PhD in Biological Sciences

Job description

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Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources, Didcot

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Client:

Medical Research Council

Location:

Didcot, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

52b4ec91a4e6

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

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Job Description:

View Vacancy -- Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources - MLC 2443

View Vacancy -- Deputy Manager, Genetics and Biological Resources - MLC 2443

Open Date 02/07/2024, 15:20 /*generated inline style */ Close Date /*generated inline style */ 14/07/2024, 23:55 /*generated inline style */ Research Institute MRC Mary Lyon Centre /*generated inline style */ Research Institute / Unit Information The (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration. /*generated inline style */ UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at

/*generated inline style */ Band MRC - 3 /*generated inline style */ Location Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire /*generated inline style */ Salary £48,802 – £52,172 per annum, dependent on skills and experience /*generated inline style */ Contract Type Permanent /*generated inline style */ Job Type Technical & Scientific Professionals /*generated inline style */ Full Time / Part Time Full Time /*generated inline style */ Job Description

The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a senior biologist for one of its archiving/distribution services.

The successful candidate will work within the Biological Resources Group (BRG) and in close collaboration with the other core services. Their responsibilities will span the assisted reproduction laboratory and the import/export team.

The post-holder will be required to take the lead in maintaining the integrity of the National Mouse Archive based at the MLC, as well as managing and expanding the exchange (of biological resources, both within the UK and internationally. The post-holder would be the main point of contact between researchers and technicians, and will advise on the requirements for, and organise the logistics of, the exchange of live mice and/or biological materials collected from genetically altered mouse models. They will also provide leadership in the assisted reproduction services offered by the MLC and drive technical developments to improve efficiencies. This post requires a strong scientific background, including experience in high-throughput project management, as well as good knowledge of reproductive biology and use of genetically altered mouse models. All relevant work will be carried out under Home Office regulations (The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, amended 2012 (ASPA)) and in accordance with International Air Transport Association rules.

An understanding of gene structure and expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing) are essential. Previous experience in the generation of genetically altered models (in vitro or in vivo) would also be desirable.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Maintain the integrity of the resources held within the National Mouse Archive

Liaise with researchers wishing to exchange biological resources, including requirement gathering, advising on the best course of action, checking relevant licensing, and detailed planning of import/export itineraries

Delivery and completion of project plans, communicating between teams to ensure that all work is carried out on time and to the correct standards

Lead the technical development programme

Provide leadership and strategy for the assisted reproductive service

Ensure compliance with ISO9001 for all projects within the post-holder’s area of responsibility

Keep up to date with advances in the 3Rs

Project licence holder, covering the BRG’s service work

Design and deliver training courses as part of the Advance Training Centre at Harwell, specialising in best practice for the exchange of biological resources

Maintain the integrity of the > 2,500 publicly available strains held in the National Mouse Archive

Working Relationships:

The post-holder will work under the direction of the Head of Biological Resources at the MLC but will have significant autonomy to manage individual projects and team members.

The post-holder will interface with the senior team of the Mary Lyon Centre, including the Director and Heads of Departments, to deliver key programmes and services.

The post-holder will liaise with external researchers to discuss how projects are progressing and advise on the best course of action. Significant cross-team communication will be required within the MLC, including with the husbandry, phenotyping, gene delivery and molecular biology teams to ensure efficient delivery of projects.

Additional Information:

Outside of the MLC, the post-holder will also be expected to maintain good working relationships with the European Mouse Mutant Archive’s (EMMA) project office and ensure that information describing publicly available mouse strains presented on the Harwell and EMMA websites is accurate and up to date.

/*generated inline style */ Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

PhD and further experience in Biological Sciences, or equivalent, involving the use of reproductive biology and molecular techniques

Understanding of gene structure/function

Desirable:

Home Office personal licence (PIL)

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

Post-doctoral or equivalent position managing a research project and/or biological resources

Desirable:

Experience with the international exchange of biological materials

Evidence of quality and customer-focused work

Experience in surgical procedures or dissections

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

Genuine interest in the welfare of animals

Experience in working under ASPA

Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results

Experience in handling licensing agreements/contracts

Desirable:

Knowledge of complex genetic alterations, conditional systems, CRISPR/Cas9

Previous line management experience

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

Excellent attention to detail

Ability to work autonomously and make decisions

Good team player with ability to work across multiple teams

Self-motivated and positive influence on other team members

Desirable:

A customer-focused approach to service delivery

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from principal investigator to research assistants and animal technicians)

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