Summary
Birmingham has a thriving cluster of medical and biomedical activity created by the physical proximity of high-quality research within the University of Birmingham and the opportunities for its application within the Queen Elizabeth and other local hospitals. Growth of this activity is a priority for the University, with increasing emphasis on both the translation and commercialisation of research.
Well positioned within this cluster is Birmingham Research Park, managed by University of Birmingham Enterprise (UoBE), the University of Birmingham’s wholly-owned technology transfer company.
Established in 2015, the Biomedical Innovation Hub (The BioHub Birmingham) is a fully-serviced life sciences incubator laboratory in which early-stage biomedical-related entrepreneurs receive support to develop their novel products and services, working at the cutting edge of science and creating new business opportunities in the area. The BioHub currently houses nine companies across a communal 24-bench laboratory and six self-contained grow-on laboratory units.
The BioHub Laboratory Management (BLM) team provide resident companies with the support needed to grow their businesses and ensure the safe and efficient running of the BioHub laboratories. BLM are expected to accelerate the development of tenant businesses so that they grow at a faster rate and on a more sustainable basis than if they were unsupported, including sign-posting other sources of advice, support and funding from UoBE and wider networks.
During this apprenticeship you will learn how to provide varied and diverse laboratory management support to life sciences tenant companies who are paying to use the BioHub facility. You will be expected to be proactive and demonstrate a solutions-driven, flexible approach to problem-solving. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will facilitate a customer-focussed approach. Under the supervision of BLM you will learn how to ensure appropriate standards of equipment and service provision, compliance with health and safety requirements and how to professionally support tenants.
Main Duties
Laboratory Management Duties; you will learn how to:
1. carry out laboratory equipment management including checks, upkeep, maintenance and calibration as and when appropriate, including following Standard Operating Procedures
2. monitor the use (and mis-use) of laboratory equipment and assist with resolving malfunctions, which may include problem-solving, referring problems to BLM as necessary and coordination with service providers
3. monitor (stocktaking), report requirements and distribute laboratory supplies as necessary;
4. maintain accurate records of all laboratory and other activities undertaken, for example within equipment log books
5. monitor and adjust controlled environments, such as low temperature or specified gas concentration units, using software and manual adjustments to maintain appropriate conditions; respond to excursion alerts and maintain associated records appropriately
6. undertake laboratory site inspections as necessary
7. contribute to internal and external audit procedures and regulatory inspections as necessary
8. undertake general laboratory activities including glassware preparation and laundry, waste and water management
9. provide tenants with exemplary customer service including being mindful of timelines, maintaining good communication, problem-solving, referring problems as necessary and ensuring requests are always resolved satisfactorily and in a timely manner
10. assist in the instruction and training of tenants, as appropriate, for example in the correct use of laboratory equipment, and continued monitoring of this
11. continually assess current processes and offerings with the aim of making suggestions for enhancements to improve tenant experience and promote the facility
12. flexibly undertake other tasks as required by line management.
Health and Safety Duties
you will learn how to:
13. ensure that the laboratory facilities are operated in a safe and efficient manner including compliance with all aspects of local and institutional Health and Safety guidance and policies, including risk assessments, PPE management, spot-checks and the reporting of any non-compliance.
14. comply with legislation relevant to the area/activity
15. manage the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials
16. review and prepare appropriate documentation, including risk assessments, and keep such documentation up to date
17. manage equipment appropriately as detailed above.
Administrative Duties
you will learn how to:
18. complete general laboratory administration tasks, for example asset registration, stocktaking and the management of deliveries
19. ensure back-ups are kept of valuable laboratory documents such as log books and understand appropriate management file structures, electronic and hard-copy
20. ensure that the facilities and equipment are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any issues to BLM
21. adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures where practicable
22. support and value equality, diversity and inclusion and moderate own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others
23. any other duties commensurate with the grade and skill base of the post.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience:
24. A Level (A*-C) or equivalent in biology; GSCE Maths and English level 4 or above or equivalent.
25. A basic understanding of the purpose and functions of a laboratory-based environment
26. understanding of the purpose of life sciences companies and community
27. ability to organise and manage own workload after consultation with manager
28. ability to work well in a team
29. proactive approach to customer service, including good communication and interpersonal skills.
30. proactive approach to embedding health and safety
31. Willingness to undertake a wide range of tasks
32. good oral, written and IT skills (there is the need to accurately produce/review a wide variety of documentation)
33. Engage fully with the University of Birmingham apprenticeship scheme, attending mandatory group days and contributing to the successful promotion of the scheme by representing your department in a positive manner.
34. understands the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
This Apprenticeship would suit:
Someone with a keen interest in running laboratories in the life sciences field. You will be a positive, customer-focussed individual, with a ‘can-do’ attitude, keen to develop practical and theoretical laboratory skills including a sound knowledge of health and safety and problem-solving. You will be enthusiastic and motivated to take full advantage of the apprenticeship experience and will be punctual, reliable and demonstrate excellent levels of learning and engagement.
Career Pathway
If successful in this apprenticeship you will be able to apply for roles as a laboratory assistant/ technician.
Planning and Organising
You will be able to learn to schedule and organise your own work within the priorities and requirements of the role.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
You will learn to deliver a level of service to tenants, colleagues and others as necessary, carrying out daily laboratory activities as required. You will be expected to be proactive and demonstrate flexibility and positivity in responding to requests and resolving issues with equipment and processes.
Internal and External Relationships
This role will include learning how to advise and support BioHub tenants.