Operational Lead ECACC

Job summary

UKHSA’s Culture Collections is a Biological Resource Centre that provides a service maintaining and supplying strains of cultured cells and microorganisms for public health research. It is structured as a fully integrated service, underpinning science with significant scientific, manufacturing and business activities and operates from laboratories across UKHSA and from a specialist cryo-storage facility on the Porton site.

The European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) and Human Genetic Services focuses on procuring new human and animal cell lines and includes the maintenance and supply of these for public health research and diagnostic testing.

The ECACC Operational Lead will oversee technical and laboratory operations for the manufacture, quality control, and maintenance of ECACC collection and associated services.

This role ensures service delivery meets agreed quality standards, is safe, effective, and economical. The post holder will manage staffing, training, and business operations within the laboratory, and provide professional leadership to operational staff.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Culture Collections, the Operational Lead will:

• Plan, organise, and supervise ECACC manufacturing and quality control processes and human genetic services
• Maintain compliance with UKHSA policies, regulatory standards, and quality systems
• Manage operational staff, training programmes, and performance reviews
• Contribute to service improvement, business planning, and income generation
• Act as Laboratory Safety Officer and ensure health and safety compliance
• Communicate technical cell culture matters internally and externally
• Deliver a service that meets the agreed quality standards so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical
• With Quality Assurance Manager, ensure compliance with QMS, regulatory requirements, ISO 9001/17025, audits, corrective actions, documentation and continual improvement.
• For ECACC purposes, deputise for the Quality Assurance Manager
• To provide professional leadership for members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member

This role requires the ability to respond quickly to onsite emergencies across multiple labs across the Porton Down site, and perform related duties in a safe and effective manner.

The main duties will include:

Production / Quality Control

• Maintain separation between production and quality control functions.
• Manage manufacturing schedules, stock levels and banking operations in line with policies and cost-effective practices.
• Oversee batch records, evaluation of results and quality testing for internal and external parties.
• Implement production planning and banking strategies to maintain inventory continuity.
• Manage raw material stocks in line with throughput requirements.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders on technical aspects of cell culture.
• Direct staff on procedures and policies.

People Management and Training

• Manage, supervise and train ECACC operational staff, ensuring their safety and welfare.
• Develop and deliver training programmes, ensuring staff are competent to perform procedures.
• Conduct appraisals, performance reviews and personal development plans.
• Oversee staff deployment, supervision, availability and wellbeing.
• Contribute to recruitment, induction, development and HR processes.
• Maintain personal CPD and supervisory skills.

Health, Safety & Security

• Participate in safety rotas where required.
• Take responsibility for health, safety and welfare in line with UKHSA policies.
• Implement safe systems of work, conduct risk assessments and ensure COSHH compliance.
• Report and respond to incidents and ensure corrective actions are taken.
• Prioritise health and safety at all times and comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, the Human Tissue Act and associated procedures.
• Maintain manufacturing documentation systems.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and audits.
• Report adverse incidents appropriately.

Equality & Diversity

• Act in accordance with relevant legislation and promote inclusive behaviours.

Technical / Scientific Duties

• Manage preparation of cell cultures and apply expertise to quality control and stability testing.
• Support development of new cell cultures and testing methods.
• Prepare reports, maintain databases and review SOPs.
• Respond to customer queries with appropriate technical advice.

Information and Knowledge

• Ensure laboratory IT systems support operational needs.
• Contribute to development of IT systems and databases.

Learning & Development

• Support delivery of cell culture training courses.

Financial Management

• Order stock up to £10k and support budget management.
• Monitor expenditure and income and assist with cost calculations and pricing.
• Support business planning, marketing and income generation activities.

Services and Project Management

• Maintain up-to-date procedures and drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
• Support R&D activities and introduction of new technologies.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained, compliant and fit for purpose.
• Oversee laboratory maintenance, asset registers and continuity planning.

Professional Development

• Maintain CPD, attend conferences and complete mandatory training.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

• BSc in biological sciences or equivalent level of experience in human life sciences
• Several years’ experience of research and development using a range of cell culture types and techniques
• Demonstrable supervisory and management experience
• Expertise in laboratory safety
• Interest in future developments in cell biology including stem cells
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Effective project and programme management skills including planning, delivery and meeting financial targets
• Strategic thinking with ability to anticipate issues, evaluate options and take decisions on difficult or contentious matters
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate action to address issues
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• High attention to detail, able to meet deadlines and follow guidelines
• Adaptable,