Divisional Administrator - Structural Studies - Dr David Barford - LMB 1623

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Cambridge, ENGLAND
Deadline: 25 Jul 2021

View Vacancy -- Divisional Administrator - Structural Studies - Dr David Barford - LMB 1623
Open Date
15/07/2021, 14:30
Close Date
25/07/2021, 23:55

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies.  The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease.  We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology.  However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive.  Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers.  Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation. 


UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4

Cambridge

£32,005 - £40,769 per annum

Permanent

Administration & Management

Full Time

Overall purpose: 

To provide proactive support to the Heads of the Division of Structural Studies at the LMB in their execution of the leadership and management of the Division.

To have primary responsibility for the HR and Financial management and administration of the Division and for decision making associated with specific aspects of these and other administrative functions. To be accountable for the quality of this advice and guidance, proposing or executing solutions to problems where-ever possible.

To work collaboratively with the wider administrative team supporting the work of the LMB to ensure efficient and effective services and support. This includes guarding against proliferation of administrative steps or over burdening scientists with administration.

To manage the Divisional office, ensuring it is responsive to the needs of members of the Division.

Main duties:

HR

Provide HR policy advice to Head(s) of Division and Group Leaders, seeking expert HR policy advice and interpretation from HR Advisors (and HR Business Partners) as necessary. This role extends to research facilities which are managed within the Division.

Under the guidance of the HRBP, ensure Divisional implementation of corporate HR policies.

Provide advice on HR processes.

Authorise recruitment campaigns to include approving job descriptions and person specifications. Actively support the recruitment process for posts reporting to the Head of Division (e.g. completing the shortlisting matrix based on HoD decisions).

Lead on recruitment of PLT and Pls, acting on behalf of the Head of Division.

Undertake sick absence management and ensure reporting of sickness absence to UKSBS.

Manage the appraisal process within the Division, ensuring high quality of appraisals and reporting.

Deal with all aspects of visiting workers in the Division, ensuring all necessary information provided to employee records and recorded on Oracle.

Manage Divisional responsibilities in respect of students, largely to support the postgraduate training manager.

Be fully accountable for the quality and accuracy of Oracle HR data in respect of all members of their Division.  Ensure resolution directly with UKSBS.

Deal with queries raised on the Service Request in Oracle in respect of employee records.

Schedule and minute monthly Structural Studies Committee meetings.

Finance

Manage the salary budgets for the science posts in the Division (including on-costs). Provide details of variance from plans for salaries on a monthly basis to meet corporate timetable.

Review finance reports to check salary assignments are correct.

Ensure grant applications and other external applications are calculated and completed in compliance with requirements.

Provide headline information on changes to consumable expenditure to the Finance BP.

Other key administrative functions

Project manage the production of the Divisional QQR report.

Ensure accurate and complete records at Divisional level as required, and in full compliance with the Data Protection Act and other statutory requirements.

Keep up to date with changes in corporate policies and practices and ensure smooth transition into the Division.

Be responsible for Divisional level risks and for their management (through Easy Risk).

To lead on specific projects or undertake specific duties as required.

Other tasks appropriate to the role and band.

Key responsibilities:

The post holder is expected to manage and be responsible for all aspects of Divisional administration and support to best effect, paying due attention to corporate requirements, the need for efficiency and effectiveness, and the needs of the researchers within the Division

They are expected to organise their work on a monthly basis, and with a good idea of the annual requirements so that all exercises are managed to time and deadline and are of suitable quality

Manage the Divisional Assistant, determining what can be delegated

The post holder is responsible for the salary budget of the scientific groups within the Division.  This includes proposing the annual planned expenditure, and then keeping expenditure within tight limits, while maximising the use of the budget for research positions

The post holder is also responsible for equipment in the Divisional office (and any other equipment for which they have responsibility) ensuring it remains serviceable, and that recommendations for replacement, upgrade etc are brought forward, with an argued business case, as required

Working relationships: 

Reports to the Head(s) of Division.

Advises and assists group leaders and other members of the Division.

Interacts extensively with LMB HR and Finance managers (and teams), other administrative staff in the LMB, and with the UKSBS.

Manages the Divisional Assistant.

Professional accountability to the LMB administrative Director for the quality of provision of corporate functions, and for carrying out Divisional aspects of LMB-wide activities.

Additional information:

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.  



Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: Educated to degree level (or equivalent through experience).

Desirable: HR, Finance or Management qualification

Previous work experience required:

Essential:
Significant post degree experience (or equivalent) in a complex and diverse administrative role.

Experience of working independently in a fast moving environment in which high quality administrative support is taken as the norm.

Experience of managing and developing staff including the ability to delegate.

Desirable: 
Experience in a role that includes HR and Financial responsibilities.

Budget management experience.

Formal line management training.

Knowledge and experience

Creativity and initiative

Essential: Highly organised with the ability to juggle many projects simultaneously, against changing priorities.

Independent working

Essential:
Well-developed problem-solving skills, enabling good quality decision making.

The ability to apply sound judgement, sometimes in tense situations, ensuring that the longer-term implications are fully taken into account.

Desirable: Proven ability to work in situations where senior management advice is not readily available and sound independent decisions have been taken.

Verbal and written communication skills

Essential:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to deal with staff at all levels.

Excellent IT skills, including Word, Excel, Databases and online ordering.

Desirable: 
Experience of drafting reports or elements of reports for external consumption.

Formal IT training or IT qualifications.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:
Ability to forge good collaborative relationships both within the Division and externally (e.g. UKSBS, HR,
Finance).

The ability to recognise and respect roles and responsibilities of others, to work collectively to achieve more effective solutions or processes.

Desirable: 
Proven ability to be persuasive in difficult situations.

Experience of leading a group to deliver a project where team members are drawn from across an organisation.



Currently this vacancy is open to internal and Civil Service applicants only.
The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.


Similar Positions