Quadrant Manager

Reports to: Science Support Manager (Hub Lead) in the Service Delivery Team

Employment: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative Quadrant Manager to join the Service Delivery team at the Crick, supporting cold storage facilities (Cryostore and Freezer Farm) and laboratories located in the lower ground floors . In this role, you will play a vital role in enabling ground-breaking scientific discoveries by ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory facilities and research support services.

As a key partner to our scientists, you will act as the bridge between research and operational teams, helping to deliver a safe, efficient and high-performing research environment. You will oversee laboratory operations across your designated areas, including our critical cold storage facilities (Cryostore and Freezer farm), ensuring that researchers have access to the space, equipment, resources and support they need to succeed.

Working closely with colleagues across the institute, you will drive continuous improvements, champion best practice, support health and safety compliance, and contribute to the development of innovative processes that enhance the researcher experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive problem-solver who enjoys building relationships, managing complex operational activities and making a tangible impact on scientific research. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a passion for service excellence and are motivated by the opportunity to support world-class science, we would love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

These include but are not limited to:

Oversee laboratory operations in areas of responsibility

• Act as a central point of contact, providing assistance and advice to ensure that all activities within the laboratories comply with Crick policies
• Support the Cryostore and Freezer Park activities, ensure good practice and safe working in the areas
• Chair the Cold Storage Operations meeting
• Have oversight of the temperature monitoring system including escalation processes to mitigate impact to research-critical samples

Drive process improvement

• Work with the Human Biology facility and Cell Science STP to manage policies, practices and databases related to biological samples.
• Collaborate with other Quadrant Managers to streamline processes and share best practices, ensuring consistent and resilient operational support across all science floors.

Promote health and safety

• Assist the Health and Safety team and Group Leaders in making sure work is carried out safely and in compliance with relevant policies and regulations
• Use the Control of Works process to manage engineer access
• Deliver inductions and training on operating procedures (PPE, waste disposal, local rules)

Manage communal equipment and consumables

• Oversee the upkeep, servicing and repair of communal equipment, and manage redistribution or removal of surplus/obsolete equipment
• Support the Asset Management team with service contracts and warranties

About you

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open and collegial.

Essential:

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent in a science discipline or extensive laboratory management experience with administrative responsibilities *
• Experience of management of cryogenic sample collections and storage facilities *
• A collaborative approach and ability to build professional working relationships with stakeholders at all organisational levels *
• Broad understanding of scientific procedures and specialist equipment within a research environment *
• Experience of laboratory safety, including biological, chemical, and radiological aspects, or in working alongside H&S experts

*Minimum requirements

Please see the full job description here

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.