here. - The Francis Crick Institute

Aquatics Technical Manager
Position description and person specification
Context
The Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) is a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC),
Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College
London and Kings College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical
research into all aspects of human health and disease.
The Institute will be a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It will promote
connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare
organisations and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the Institute will have the scale,
vision and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and
disease. It will be world-class with a strong national role—training scientists and developing ideas
for public good. Due to open in 2015, The Crick will be located in a new, purpose built research
centre in central London (Brill Place next to St. Pancras International) and will house some 1,500
researchers.
The Crick has invested in a state-of-the-art Biological Research Facility (BRF) and the infrastructure
to enable world-leading scientific research involving the use of animals including fish and frogs. The
Crick’s BRF will be both science and welfare driven, flexible, and forward-looking, and it will
promote collaboration within and beyond the Institute.
The position of Aquatics Technical Manager is required to support the transitional phase by
continued development and implementation of the aquatics migration plan as well as increase
science services offered to aquatics users at the Crick. These services include maintaining wild-type
lines, monitoring embryo quality, genetic manipulation of embryos, genotyping and
cryopreservation.
Organisation
S/he will initially report directly to the Transition Head of BRF and long-term report to an
Operations. S/he is directly responsible for the management of a team of animal technicians within
the aquatics area and will work closely with other technical managers, NACWOs and BRF senior staff
to ensure responsibilities and compliance under ASPA 1986. In addition, s/he will interact with
laboratory managers, heads of sections, scientists, Named Veterinary Surgeon and administrative
staff within Francis Crick Institute regarding animal related issues. Finally, the role also calls for
liaising with Home Office and other (e.g. CEFAS) inspectors where necessary.
Objectives
The main objective of this role is to ensure the management & provision of high quality animal
husbandry and procedural support to a variety of aquatic laboratory species. The role will also
include some NACWO responsibilities.
Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:
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To fulfil the role of Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer, as defined in the Home
Office’s Guidance Notes on the operation of the ASPA 1986, for the aquatic areas.
Possess a good working knowledge of all Project Licences active within aquatics.
Manage/supervise animal technicians within the aquatics areas.
Participate in and ensure appraisal, CPD, training and recruitment of BRF staff is in
accordance with Crick H.R. procedures.
Ensure own personal development is ongoing.
Provide an excellent service to users of the aquatics facilities to support their research and
the 3Rs.
Develop and adopt new working practices to advance science and the 3Rs.
Person Specification
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The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Imaginative,
Open, Dynamic and Collegiate.
Essential
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Qualification to degree level or equivalent in aquatics field.
Home Office Modules 1-3
Minimum of 5 years of animal experience, some of which working with zebrafish
2-3 years of management experience, including Aquatic facility management in laboratory
setting.
Understand scientific requirements in the use of zebrafish.
Acted as a NACWO or deputy NACWO previously
Understanding of health and safety requirements in relation to animal care and use
Acted as a team leader or deputy team leader previously and has been involved in training
& appraisal of others
Excellent verbal and written communication skills & can demonstrate that they can
communicate appropriately at all levels
Proficiency in database systems
Organised with excellent time management.
Should be able to work to deadlines under pressure and maintain a professional attitude
throughout. S/he should ideally be able to adapt to different situations and scenarios
positively.
Willingness to attend future in-house and external training courses to develop necessary
skill recognized to fulfil the role.
Experience of working with third party suppliers
Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrable ability to build effective relationships at all
levels
Ability to adapt influencing styles to gain commitment of team and managers to achieve
objectives
Desirable
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Formal management qualification
Research focus on aquatic species and set up of new facilities.
Experience of breeding zebrafish, including the setting up of timed matings, harvesting
eggs, genotyping mutants and transgenic progeny.
Experience of cryopreservation techniques in zebrafish
Microinjection of zebrafish embryos
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st October 2014 at 5pm.
For any questions relating to this role, please contact Kathleen Mathers,
Transition Head of BRF or Nicola Texeira, Resourcing Advisor via
[email protected]
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