Rosalind Franklin Institute

Quality Manager (12 Months Fixed-Term Contract) (10331)

Rosalind Franklin Institute

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology. Based in a purpose-built building on the Harwell Campus just outside Didcot, this role works closely with Health and Safety, Lab Managers, Technicians and Scientists to ensure that we have a safe working environment. As an interim Quality Manager within the Operations Team, you will report to the Director of HR and have one direct report of a Quality Assistant.  

Role Overview

Working within a small Operations Team, the role requires an experienced Quality Manager to continue to build a quality management system and oversee its effective operation. You will provide strategic input and guidance on the design and implementation of key quality processes. You will be accountable for ensuring that our quality plan and system are fit-for-purpose and meet the standards required to support critical research activities and fulfil our obligations to both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

You will:

  • Lead the continuation of the implementation of a quality management system including relevant quality standards, policies, procedures and KPIs and oversee training in their use.
  • Ensure that the institute’s scientific research activities comply with all applicable safety, legal and other national or international requirement.
  • Work in partnership with the Strategic Projects Manager to deliver projects which have a quality focus – for example Human Tissue Licensing.
  • Review existing procedures to ensure they meet the current guidelines and adapt where necessary.
  • Undertake regular internal audits of key activities and processes to ensure compliance with the quality system.
  • Identify areas for improvement and devise action plans for their implementation.
  • Maintain documentation of procedural changes.
  • Oversee the preparation of relevant compliance reports for both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to ensure that they meet relevant quality standards. 

Skills and attributes

  • Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing quality management systems in a life sciences research environment, ideally in a pharmaceutical or biotech company.
  • Excellent writing ability, including in preparing reports for a range of stakeholders, drafting policies and compliance reporting.
  • Good problem-solving skills.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with an attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of relevant software tools and computer literacy.
  • Strong relationship skills and ability to work at all levels within the Organisation.
  • Strong project management skills. 

Selection criteria

Essential

  • Ideally at least three years’ experience in a quality manager role, ideally within a life science/research environment
  • Formal qualification(s) in quality management, such as Level 5 Diploma in Quality Management Systems and/ or Lean Six Sigma Training
  • Training on International Standards Organisation (ISO) codes such as ISO9001 

Desirable

  • Educated in a relevant discipline to at least BSc degree or equivalent
  • Familiarity with HTA licensing desirable 

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.  

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills, and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. 

Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 9th June 2024; however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate, therefore early applications are advised.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy

Area: Operations

Period of appointment: 12 Months Fixed-Term