Job Purpose

The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and will provide efficient and effective support to the CVR Head of Operations, CVR Management Team and CVR Researchers. You will be an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and well-organised individual, filling an important supporting role in operational management for the CVR.

The CVR occupies several buildings (primarily the Sir Michael Stoker and Sir Henry Wellcome Buildings) within the Henry Wellcome Complex (HWC) on the Garscube Estate. It contains numerous bespoke facilities for state-of-the-art virology research and has a current staff complement of ~240 staff and students. In this context, the Technical Services Manager will provide support to the Head of Operations in daily reactive responses and will coordinate pre-planned servicing of equipment and infrastructure. This will include close liaison with general and specialist areas within the CVR to ensure that operations function optimally and seamlessly. The post holder will also play an active role in providing administrative support for general and capital equipment purchases including any major works to improve the CVR’s facilities. The postholder will manage the Washroom Supervisor who manages a team of 2.5FTE.

This is a demanding and diverse role requiring a strong and flexible approach in providing a high-quality service and a proactive ability to problem solve to help support business continuity.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support the Head of Operations with all HWC infrastructure, resources and technical duties as directed, acting as primary contact in their absence.

2. Take the lead role in the management of service contracts for CVR equipment based in the HWC, negotiating new contracts with suppliers, planning service schedules, arranging for repairs to equipment and working with engineers to ensure a quick resolution to problems. Process Agresso orders for equipment service contracts and repairs advising the CVR Business Manager on costs allocated to the CVR groups.

3. Liaise with Estates and Commercial Services (E&CS) regarding building-related maintenance and repairs, ensuring all repairs comply with H&S requirements based on experience and knowledge. Support the Head of Operations in interactions with E&CS for more complex tasks (e.g. installation of major equipment and refurbishments) and deal with external contractors. Be proactive in identifying potential problems and ensure routine preventative maintenance is carried out.

4. Represent the CVR in meetings with the Facilities team and representatives from other RI/Schools to resolve any issues within shared areas in the HWC.

5. Take the lead in providing support to CVR gas services, maintenance repair and monitoring of supply/assets.

6. Act as the principal administrator of Tutela remote temperature monitoring system, including regular audits and management of alarms calls during and outside normal working hours. Coordinate new installations and engineer’s maintenance schedules.

7. Play a key role in repurposing of labs, offices and relocation of workflows. Assist with the relocation of new research groups to the CVR.

8. Responsible for updating of CVR facility space audits and freezer stock inventories.

9. Take the lead in management of equipment inventories, providing updates to CVR equipment websites and support the CVR goals for sustainability in line with university initiatives.

10. Member of the CVR Operations Subgroup, reporting on issues regarding technical operations and infrastructure. Represent the CVR at Chief Technician’s meetings, HWC operations and E&CS-related forums.

11. Oversight of janitorial, cleaning services and security staff to ensure seamless and secure access procedures to the building including a controlled access system.

12. Manage updates to the emergency contacts list document. Provide out-of-hours support to coordinate response to emergencies and equipment alarms.

13. Support the Head of Operations to develop business continuity planning.

14. Line management responsibility for CVR Washroom Supervisor role.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the Line Manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.

Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 [Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4] or equivalent, [including professional accreditation with relevant formal training], and experience of personal development in a similar role.

Desirable:

B1 Degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent teamworking and people management skills, with ability to collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders for effective operational supervision.

C2 Ability to multitask and prioritise to ensure that efficient operating levels are maintained.

C3 Experience of managing budgets, including approving spend, negotiating purchases and monitoring outgoings on behalf of others.

C4 Significant written communication and IT skills, including proficient use of Microsoft office platform and scientific software packages.

C5 Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret complex technical requirements of a research/teaching group and planning resource allocation to meet/manage the needs of others.

C6 Excellent organisation/coordination skills encompassing liaison with different stakeholders to manage schedules.

C7 Ability to plan and prioritise a technical service to meet long term strategic objectives, whilst delivering a day-to-day service.

C8 Strong negotiating skills, working with external equipment and maintenance contract suppliers to achieve optimal cost efficiency.

Desirable:

D1 A working knowledge of university policies and procedures.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Significant relevant technical experience within a biological laboratory or working in a similar role in a process driven environment.

E2 Experience of technical leadership or laboratory management in a research group.

E3 Experience supporting and administration of a remote monitoring system and associated infrastructures for freezers and specialist laboratory environments.

E4 Experience in Agresso procurement system.

E5 An understanding of the operational needs in a complex research environment.

E6 Experience working with Estates on outstanding day to day repairs across general and specialist laboratories and tracking/recording progress.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of working in an environment handling viruses.

F2 Experience of managing high value budgets, including knowledge of procurement and tendering processes to inform decision making, approving spends and monitoring expenditure on behalf of others

Additional Details

Informal enquires about this post may be directed to Linda McMonagle, CVR Operations Manager, Elizabeth.McMonagle@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

This post is full time and Open ended with funding available up until 31 March 2027.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 10th April 2025