Transgenic Facility Manager

Agenda Life Sciences; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Agenda Life Sciences in Edinburgh is seeking a Transgenic Facility Supervisor to oversee the production of genetically modified animal models and lead a specialist technical team.

You will advise researchers on study design and methodologies while ensuring regulatory compliance and high welfare standards. This role combines scientific leadership with operational excellence in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Biology or a related discipline.
• More than three years’ laboratory experience in molecular biology.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and regulations governing animal research.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of approximately 100 genetically modified animal models each year.
• Advise researchers on project design, methodologies and practical requirements.
• Manage, support and develop three specialist technical staff.
• Improve service delivery by monitoring performance and analyzing data.
• Support innovation and introduce new methodologies when appropriate.
• Oversee cryobank operations for embryos and sperm.
• Coordinate resources to balance project demands and capacity.
• Contribute to budgeting and cost-recovery analysis.

Skills

Transgenic biology

Team leadership

Molecular biology

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Biology degree or equivalent

Postgraduate molecular genetics (desirable)

Job description

Are you experienced in molecular biology and in vivo research, with a strong interest in genetically modified animal models? This is an exciting opportunity to take the next step in your career, combining scientific expertise with team leadership to support cutting-edge biomedical research. As Transgenic Facility Supervisor, you’ll oversee the production of genetically modified animal models, work closely with researchers and lead a specialist technical team, helping deliver research that advances our understanding of human and animal health.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead facility operations: Coordinate the production of approximately 100 genetically modified animal models each year.
• Advise researchers: Provide scientific and technical guidance on project design, methodologies and practical requirements.
• Lead the team: Manage, support and develop three specialist technical staff.
• Improve service delivery: Monitor performance, analyse operational data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality.
• Support innovation: Keep up to date with emerging techniques and introduce new methodologies where appropriate.
• Manage cryobanks: Oversee the preservation and management of embryos and sperm to safeguard valuable research models.
• Coordinate resources: Balance project demands, technical capacity, animal resources and schedules to minimise delays.
• Support financial planning: Contribute to budgeting, cost-recovery analysis and service pricing.
• Resolve challenges: Troubleshoot technical issues and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
• Promote responsible research: Identify opportunities to refine procedures, minimise animal use and reduce harm.
• Ensure compliance: Maintain regulatory compliance and high standards of animal care and welfare.
• Build partnerships: Work effectively with researchers, colleagues, suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Plan for the future: Identify opportunities to develop the facility’s equipment, techniques and expertise.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be a scientifically knowledgeable and organised professional with strong technical expertise, leadership skills and a service-focused approach. You’ll be confident advising researchers, managing competing priorities and ensuring the effective delivery of a specialist research facility.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Biology or a related discipline.
• More than three years’ laboratory experience in molecular biology.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and regulations governing animal research.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Authoritative knowledge of transgenesis, molecular genetics and associated systems and procedures.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Postgraduate qualification in Molecular Genetics or a related discipline.
• Senior-level experience in a university research environment.
• Experience in transgenic animal production, embryo micromanipulation and animal surgery.
• Experience generating CRISPR reagents.
• Understanding of the institutional and operational requirements involved in delivering a specialist research facility