Scientific Services Manager

Job title: Scientific Services Manager – Synergy
Location: Oxford, UK
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £52,000 – 55,000 per annum + Bonus

Synergy are looking for a

Scientific Services Manager

to join a Global Pharmaceutical company based in Oxford.

Synergy provides a variety of on-site Scientific Services for Pharmaceutical customers and works collaboratively with the customer to provide resources to deliver core scientific activities.

This will be a pivotal role, having responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the invitro laboratories at the customer’s site based in Oxford, upholding and encouraging excellent standards of H&S (escalating any issues that require attention to the Novo Nordisk H&S representative), quality & operational excellence as well as championing Continuous Improvement. In addition, the Manager will have line management responsibility for a mid-sized team of research and lab assistants conducting a range of scientific activities and invitro experimentation.

This position is a split role with approximately 50% of time spent on lab-based activities indirectly supporting scientific projects and 50% of time managing a team of lab/research assistants and research associates who are carrying out hands on experimentation

Key Responsibilities will include:
Line management of Synergy Research team, including carrying out regular 1:1s, objective setting, performance reviews and management, development plans, wellbeing support, absence management. Managing the Synergy Operations Support team, liaison with Client representative.
Assists with day-to-day and longer-term planning, management, and allocation of tasks to the Synergy research team, in liaison with the Synergy Research Team responsible and NNRCO working group coordinators.
Participate in the recruitment of new Synergy Research Team members in a collaborative manner with NNRCO representative(s).
Primary point of contact for both Synergy and Client including management team and Synergy research assistants/associates.
Responsible for ensuring that all activities are delivered demonstrating behaviours and values aligned to both Synergy and NNRCO.
Communication with key stakeholders on progress against deliverables and timelines.
Escalation of any issues or problems to the Synergy Account Manager and/or NNRCO representative(s).
Responsible for ensuring labs are ready for day-to-day experimentation, implementing best practices and measuring performance through agreed upon Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Liaison with local facilities teams to ensure smooth running of the laboratories.
Responsible for defining minimum order quantities for lab consumables stock. Working with the operations team to manage the consumables room and ensuring adequate supply for restocking (finding alternative providers if stock shortages or delayed delivery). Placing orders for non-general lab stock items and restocking lab benches with consumables.
Assisting operations and scientific teams in ensuring all procedures are in place including SOPs, Risk Assessments and other documents as required; responsible for ensuring adherence to all quality & compliance policies and procedures of the synergy team members.
An ambassador for good laboratory practices, encouraging adherence to all quality & compliance policies and procedures including for H&S and PPE; notifying NNRCO H&S representative if non-compliance is observed.
Supporting a positive and compliant health and safety culture in the laboratory. Escalate to NNRCO representative if non-compliance of non-Synergy staff.
Contributing to developing and ensuring all H&S procedures are in place and followed in relation to risk assessments, COSHH, waste disposal.
To lead Continuous Improvement activities in the laboratory with support from Synergy CI Manager.
Support with organisation of freezer storage and management of inventories.
Support with management of autoclave – including but not limited to waste and consumables.

Essential Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline.
Significant lab experience including the management of labs and lab documentation
Demonstrable experience of people management and managing small to mid-size teams
Competent in the use of LIMS or equivalent IT platforms
Good understanding of COSHH regulations and Health and Safety requirements
Experience in developing SOPs and Risk Assessments
Ability to be flexible and handle multiple responsibilities and tasks on a regular basis
Ability to work collaboratively
Excellent problem-solving capabilities and confidence to make clear decisions
Exceptional planning and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
Experience with lean methodologies, CI, OE, Supply chain etc.
Efficient using Microsoft office – e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word
Excellent communication skills, providing timely and clear communication with stakeholders and synergy team members

Desirable Requirements:
Safety qualification
CI/OE accreditation
Proven customer service focus