Cell Facility Manager

ABOUT LGC NATIONAL LABORATORIES:

LGC’s National Laboratories deliver a range of expert science functions and services in partnership with the UK Government, business, healthcare, and academia. We manage and operate several national laboratories on behalf of government agencies, such as the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML), MHRA Laboratories Team and National Reference Laboratories, as well as hosting the unique function of the ‘Government Chemist’.

As home to many world-leading scientists, LGC’s National Laboratories provide a wide range of expert analytical science services and subject matter expertise to a broad spectrum of customers, stakeholders, and global forums. In addition, we undertake contract research and development projects for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors. Our work addresses fundamental and emerging measurement challenges, helping to foster innovation and promoting productivity and economic growth.

At the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) for chemical and bio-measurement, based at LGC, we provide world-leading measurement science to address complex global challenges. We manage various national and international measurement research projects and the international cell analysis working group. We develop reference methods and materials, as well as high accuracy calibration and measurement services to support standard procedures.

In addition, the teams carry out contract research and development projects for a variety of clients in both the public and private sectors.

The job holder will ensure facility readiness, operational excellence, and compliance to support laboratory operations and cross-functional projects. These projects are essential for delivering high-quality cellular products used by NML teams at Guildford. They will also support metrology research and commercial projects related to Cell Metrology. This role requires collaboration within cross-functional teams at both Guildford and Leeds.

Key accountabilities

Coordinate shared cell facility tasks to assist in delivering Metrology Research and Commercial cell-based projects for associated research groups.

• Plan and carry out research, together with senior leads, that contributes directly to the delivery of Metrology Research and Commercial work related to Cell Metrology
• Ensure various frozen stocks, cell lines (inc. mammalian cell lines) and cultures are produced, maintained, routinely tested and supplied to time
• Maintain stock control of reagents, gas, and consumables
• Responsible for maintaining excellent cell culture documentation as appropriate within the quality system
• Maintain equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and inventory control
• Develop, maintain, and ensure continuous improvement in laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and work instructions to guarantee efficiency and adherence to relevant quality and safety standards
• Coordinate operational workflow and process scheduling with partner teams to ensure operational efficiency
• Ensure that activities carried out align with established legislation, quality, and safety systems
• Manage quality and safety documentation to align with UKAS requirements; support investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls
• Provide assistance and conduct training to NML team members, as required
• Stay current with latest developments in lab techniques and technologies, supporting procurement activities as required

Candidate specification:

This is an excellent development opportunity for a candidate to further develop their career by working with world-recognised experts.

The successful candidate will have at least a PhD Degree (or equivalent experience) in life/biological sciences. A Master's degree only with 5+ years of experience in life science facility operations supporting technical team functions.

Knowledge, skills and qualities required:

Essential:

• Experience and knowledge of purchasing, handling, and culture of primary and immortalised cells
• In-depth experience of a broad set of analytical techniques that help verify cell identity, viability, purity, function, and safety – particularly common cell characterisation techniques including quality and purity monitoring, cell counting and viability, flow cytometry, ELISA or similar immunoassays, microscopy, spectrophotometry/fluorometry, and cell-function assays
• Excellent aseptic technique
• A strong understanding of the importance of accurate record keeping within a strictly controlled quality system
• Proven problem-solving ability to troubleshoot facility-related issues and optimise systems
• An eye for detail and dedication to high-quality data
• Technical expertise to maintain lab equipment
• Capability to work autonomously as well as cooperatively in cross-functional groups
• Good organisational, planning, and documentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with scientists from a diverse group of backgrounds
• Enthusiastic, motivated, and driven to maintain high-quality standards through continuous improvement
• Continuous learner with a keen appetite for cross-disciplinary work

Desirable:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Prior experience, possibly within a regulated (cGxP) environment
• Familiarity with LIMS and digital quality systems

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range. 

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY 
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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