Description
We are seeking a compassionate and proven Unit Manager to lead and manage an in vivo facility at our Discovery Sciences site in Portishead.
You will be responsible for the smooth operation of the animal unit, ensuring compliance with UK Home Office regulations, and resolving day-to-day leadership tasks. You will also manage several Technical and Husbandry Specialists, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, staff performance, and procedural compliance.
Main Tasks
- Operational:
+ Provide operational and people management for a small rodent animal unit + Ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and all Home Office, institutional, and ethical requirements + Act as a holder of a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and perform licensed procedures as required + Oversee animal welfare, husbandry standards, health monitoring, and environmental conditions within the facility + Support staff training, performance management, and rota planning + Maintain accurate records relating to animal use, staffing, training, and compliance + Liaise with scientists, veterinarians, the NACWO, and other Named Persons to support study delivery + Contribute to continuous improvement of facility processes, SOPs, and regulatory readiness + Support internal and external audits and inspections + Keep up to date on latest initiatives concerning animal welfare + Liaise with external sites, facilities to aid continuous improvement in animal welfare
- People Leader:
+ Effectively manage direct reports on a day-to-day basis + Establish strong working relationships across the management community + Identify areas for improvement and development, and facilitate opportunities for self and direct reports + Be a positive influence across the group, able to coach, guide, and mentor more junior staff and peers as needed
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in a biological or life sciences discipline, or significant equivalent experience in laboratory animal science
- Demonstrable lab-based industry-led experience in the Contract Research Organisation or biotech discovery environment
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience, overseeing smaller teams on a day-to-day basis
- Practical knowledge of standard conditions in animal facilities, including husbandry, biosecurity, environmental controls, and welfare assessment
- Strong communication skills, able to foster working relationships with peers and reports alike in a professional manner
- Home Office Personal Licence covering rodents
- Eligibility and willingness to be appointed as a NACWO under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), subject to Home Office approval
What We Offer You
- Competitive benefits package starting from day one of employment, covering Financial & Retirement, Health & Wellness, Work-Life Balance, and Additional Perks