APPOINTMENT DETAILS – JANUARY 201 8
Director of Technical Services
Contents
01 Introduction by the Vice-Chancellor 02 About Sussex 04 The School of Life Sciences 06 The role 1 0 Academic structure 1 1 The appointment process and how to apply
INTRODUCTION
Introduction by theVice-Chancellor
Dear candidate,
The University of Sussex is a remarkable institution. The distinctive ethos on which it was established more than 50 years ago is still very much at the heart of the University. The traditions of creativity, interdisciplinarity, innovation and intellectual rigour – in both education and research –play an important part in who we are. Building on this and against a backdrop in which English universities will be facing a period of political and economic change, Sussex is forging ahead and creating a new destiny.
We are in strong health. With a reputation for inspirational teaching, we are turning out graduates who are well-rounded global citizens – contributing to the worlds of business, sciences, the arts, academia, government and the third sector.
The quality of our research continues to underpin our entire academic endeavour. We are delivering internationally recognised research which is genuinely benefitting people and communities around the world, influencing policy and driving change in industry.
The University is ranked 7th in the UK for graduate employability and in the top 20 for all major UK league tables. Applications and acceptances for study are at an all-time record.
Set on the edge of beautiful parkland, a short distance from the city of Brighton, the University has a vibrant campus community. We continue to invest in our facilities to support the breadth of our teaching and research activities, as well as staff and student life. This is an exciting time in the University’s history as we look to build on the past and redefine Sussex’s distinctiveness for the 21st century. I hope you will join us in playing a part in shaping the future of a thriving University, with strong values that we believe make Sussex a very special place.
PROFESSOR ADAM TICKELL VICE-CHANCELLOR
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ABOUT SUSSEX
About Sussex
The University of Sussex is a leading higher education and research institution near the city of Brighton and Hove, in the south of England. Sussex was the first of the new wave of UK universities founded in the 1960s, receiving its Royal Charter in 1961. Our founding over 50 years ago was ambitious, with rapid growth driving a new approach to higher education. The enduring values of Sussex are enhanced by this growth: innovative critical thinking, an interdisciplinary approach to research and learning, and an understanding that quality is at the heart of all we do. We continue to foster that founding spirit of intellectual, social and pedagogic adventure. Sussex has already created a world-class centre of excellence for research and teaching, supporting Nobel Prize winners and future leaders of vital organisations and institutions, confident communicators, creative thinkers and internationalists, delivering positive change in the world. While Sussex has a strong sense of itself as a campus rooted both in the outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs and the urban energy of Brighton, our outlook is global. Playing our role in global higher education, we are a progressive university delivering innovative thought and action, with a worldwide reputation for excellence in learning, research and discovery.
Interdisciplinarity , through tackling multidimensional problems, while maintaining a strong, broadly based set of disciplines across the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and medicine;
Engagement , by actively seeking an external and international approach to all our activities;
Challenge , in which all members of the Sussex community are prepared to explore creatively the status quo and alternatives, within the context of excellence and professionalism, and to seek to make positive change in society; Partnership , by developing sustained relationships that bring together complementary skills and resources to create mutual benefit and to deliver impact that cannot be achieved by either partner alone; Professionalism , by upholding freedom of academic enquiry, undertaking activities in a responsible manner using robust, transparent processes and maintaining professional standards in the conduct of all academic and support activities; Equality and diversity , by making appointments and developing entry routes to the University based on educational merit, and valuing the strength derived from contributions to our mission by people from different backgrounds, traditions, cultures and perspectives; Service , in which members of the Sussex community seek to use their skills and talents to contribute to local, national and international communities and organisations.
In pursuing our mission, we celebrate the values of:
Excellence, through a commitment to delivering the highest standards of research, scholarship, teaching and learning in order to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for students and staff and to maximise their social and economic contribution to societies;
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ABOUT SUSSEX
TEACHING & LEARNING The University of Sussex has over 16,000 students, of which over a third are postgraduates. Our goal is to deliver teaching and learning programmes that are informed by current research, are attractive to students from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and which deliver skills for life. As a research-led University, our students have the advantage of having expert teachers working at the forefront of their fields. Sussex has developed a reputation for innovation and inspiration, and attracts leading thinkers and researchers. We have over 2,100 staff, including around 1,000 teaching and research staff. We have counted 4 Nobel Prize winners, 15 Fellows of the Royal Society, 15 Academicians of the Social Sciences, 12 Fellows of the British Academy, a winner of the prestigious Crafoord Prize, and 6 winners of the Higher Education Academy’s prestigious National Teaching Fellowship Scheme awards on our faculty. OUR STAFF
INTERNATIONAL SUSSEX From its foundation, Sussex has had an international perspective to its academic activities and its outlook. The University attracts staff and students to its campus from over 120 different countries across the world. Our research tackles major world issues, with leading areas of expertise such as climate change and development studies. The University has extensive links with many institutions worldwide, such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Georgetown University and the National Taiwan University.
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
Sussex is a leading research university, as reflected in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) where 98 per cent of research activity at Sussex is categorised as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised.
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THE SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES
The School of Life Sciences
Professor Guthrie is advised by a management committee, which meets monthly and consists of the Research Subject Group Chairs, School Directors, the School Manager and the Director of Technical Services. The School operates a unified administrative structure, with its research interests represented by five Research Subjects Groups: Biochemistry and Biomedicine; Chemistry; Evolution, Behaviour and Environment; Genome Damage and Stability; Neuroscience; augmented by interdisciplinary and cross- School entities. Teaching is coordinated by three Boards of Study (BoS): Chemistry, Biology and Neuroscience; and Pharmacy, Biochemistry and Biomedicine (PBB) – the introduction of our MPharm programme which commenced in 2016.
The School of Life Sciences is one of the largest Academic Schools in the University with a Faculty of over 80; approximately 200 Research Fellows, 200 PhD students and 60 Technicians (including both School and externally funded posts). The School’s annual research income exceeds £13 million and it has an annual turnover of £27 million. Approximately 650 undergraduate and postgraduate students (plus ~30 PhDs) are admitted each year onto a broad range of degree courses in biological, biomedical and chemical sciences. The original School of Biological Sciences (BIOLS) founded by John Maynard Smith FRS trained some of the world’s leading biologists and biomedical scientists, and was a beacon of innovation and creativity in its integrated approach to research and teaching. Professor Laurence Pearl FRS FMedSci has headed the School of Life Sciences since 2009. Professor Pearl has stepped down as Head of School on 31st August 2017, and has been succeeded by Professor Sarah Guthrie. Professor Guthrie will lead on all strategic, operational and line management issues in the School. Professor Pearl will continue to lead on planning for the new building.
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THE SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES
NEWBUILDING The University of Sussex is planning a new state-of-the- art home for the School of Life Sciences. The building will transform the way our research is carried out. Through collaborative spaces molecular biologists, neuroscientists and chemists will work Our new Bio-Innovation Centre, within the building, will provide space for growing bio-science businesses and help to strengthen partnerships with industry. The development of the new building will not only create jobs and boost the regional economy, but also help to ensure that scientific advances are translated into real- world benefits. With its distinctive design and use of glass, concrete and brick the Life Sciences building will remain true to the vision of the University’s founding architect, Sir Basil Spence. alongside each other to develop new and ground-breaking scientific discoveries.
The landscape design will echo the natural beauty of the South Downs and by sourcing the best materials the building will adhere to the highest environmental standards. Through both teaching and research the School of Life Sciences is training a new generation of scientists. This new development will allow us to continue making discoveries that change lives and benefit communities for many years to come. Ournewbuilding programme includes plans to develop a purpose-designed facility to be run bythe Students’ Union. This dynamic space will allow a huge rangeof student activities – from studying, performance and meetings for student societies to mobilising volunteers (around 1,000 Sussex students take part in volunteering projects every year), as well as socialising. Initial enabling works are underway and contracts for the main programme of work will be let later in 2017. We are aiming for full completion by 2020.
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THE ROLE
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
You will have strong leadership and management skills and experience and will have experience of change management and transition preferably relating to a major change in facilities provision such as a major capital project or transformation programme. Experience of working in an environment with similar characteristics (stakeholder groups, types of facilities and activities, operating model) to those found at the School of Life Sciences would be particularly advantageous.
BACKGROUND The School of Life Sciences is seeking to appoint a Director of Technical Services to lead, shape and deliver a high-quality technical support service to meet the teaching and research objectives of the School. Reporting to the Head of School, you will be expected to lead, manage, support and develop a flexible team of technical staff within the School who support all aspects of teaching and research. You will also play a key role in supporting the transition of the School from its existing estates into a new 17,000 square metre, £100m+ state-of-the- art landmark building. We are seeking an individual with proven experience and track record of leading the technical services provision across an organisation of significant scale and complexity.
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THE ROLE
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES i) Line management and accountability
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERALL AIMS:
1. Lead, shape and deliver a high-quality technical support service to meet the teaching and research objectives of the School. 2. Ensure that the School is at the forefront of sector best practice in its technical services provision and functions. 3. In conjunction with the Head of School, keep under review the School’s technical services frameworks to ensure they are fit for purpose and compliant with Regulations. 4. Provide leadership and direction to technical staff across the School. 5. 6. Maintain the highest levels of health and safety in the School teaching and research space. Ensure and maintain effective infrastructure services and utilities provision for research and teaching labs within the school . 7. Provide leadership and direction to the staff of the Ancillary Unit . 8. Ensure that the School has in place sound systems for effectively managing and reviewing its technical services provision . 9. Review and restructure as appropriate, the core technical support services within the School; in preparation for the relocation to the new Life Sciences building in 2020. Lead on required change management. 10. Play a leading role in reviewing and establishing robust/detailed information on existing equipment to transfer to new build and new core equipment in line with the funding envelope available as part of the Life Sciences Business Case . 11. Play a leading role in planning, and the local management of, the relocation of staff and equipment for the move to the new building. 12. Persons Designated for Equipment and Facilities for the University HTA license.
Reports to the Head of School.
ii) Key working relationships
Internal: Head of School; Deputy Head of School; Technical and Academic staff, including Principal Investigators, School Manager, School Management Team; Health & Safety staff; Sussex Estates and Facilities Staff, Finance and Procurement Staff, Programme Director (New Life Science Estate). External: relevant professional bodies and organisations i.e. HEaTED.
iii) Staffing
The Ancillary Unit comprising c6 staff, including line management of the manager.
The Technical provision comprising c 60 staff, with direct line management of all school-funded technicians and professional line management for those reporting to Lab Heads.
iv) Grade: 10
The post is permanent, full-time grade 10.
v) Committee Memberships
School Management Group School Executive Group University Safety Committee School Health, Safety and Environment Groups School Research Strategy Groups University Ethics Committee (member and reviewer) School/ University HTA Committee Combined Unison/Unite Joint Negotiating Committee Others to be determined such as project boards/work streams
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THE ROLE
SPECIFIC DUTIES 1. Management of s chool t echnical s taff
KEY SKILLS 3. Financial and resource management • Lead and manage premises and space and building projects. • Authorising significant purchases from the School budget • Costing, pricing, recharging and budget management of laboratory activities. • Liaison with Lab Heads and University Finance Office staff. 4. Procurement and m aintenance of e quipment • Purchasing new equipment for teaching labs • Ensure that the School achieves best value for money in its procurement. • Ensure that assets are properly registered and maintained. 5. Buildings and space planning • Play a key part in preparing for and managing all aspects of the relocation of Life Sciences to the new building. • Ensure that the buildings and fabric occupied by the School are kept in a good state of repair and that any repairs and modifications are carried out in a timely and satisfactory manner. • Make a significant contribution to the forward planning needs of the School including support for new degrees (such as the MPharm) and technical support for developing areas of research . • Ensure that University regulations are being met when contractors are engaged to work in the School on maintenance or other activities. This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed.
• Lead, manage, support and develop a flexible team of technical staff within the School who support all aspects of teaching and research. • Responsible for recruitment, probation, mentoring, training, appraisal, performance review and staff development. • Demonstrate strong and positive leadership to all staff within the School, setting and ensuring delivery of high standards of work . • Ensure that all technical staff are properly trained and have personal development plans and that training and appraisal records are up-to-date. • Manage the day-to-day operations of the technical services, ensuring that its service delivery meets the needs of the School . • Develop close working relationships with academic, and professional services staff to obtain feedback and facilitate effective service delivery. 2. Health and S afety • Working with senior staff in the School and University to review the approach to health and safety in order to achieve the highest standards of performance and compliance, and to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and licencing requirements, for example Radiation Protection and the Human Tissue Authority, that apply to the School. • Ensure that the highest standard of health and safety performance and compliance is maintained. • Ensure environmental impact of new equipment and core business activities is effectively considered and factored into the strategic plans for the area of management responsibility and wider School plans .
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THE ROLE
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Selection criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications A degree in a science subject or equivalent professional qualification (RSciTec) or experience in similar role. An appropriate professional safety qualification e.g. General NEBOSH certificate or equivalent. PhD in a science subject or equivalent professional qualification or experience in similar role.
X
X
X
Skills and Abilities
An articulate and confident communicator, with strong interpersonal skills.
X
Ability to lead and manage in a complex scientific technical context.
X
Ability to provide visible and supportive leadership, empowering, enabling, motivating and developing employees in a range of roles.
X
An inclusive teamworker who can foster partnerships, work collaboratively across areas and achieve performance and results through others. Ability to develop and maintain relationships within the School, University and external partners.
X
X
Personally committed to the delivery of high-quality, results based services.
X
Knowledge and Experience Substantial knowledge of scientific technical services compliance and regulations. Successful experience of managing a technical services provision.
X
X X
Experience of project management.
Experience of change management in a relevant context.
X
Highly developed management skills in a relevant context.
X
Health and safety management.
X
Experience of space and resources management.
X
Will be a member of a relevant professional body, IST for example. Substantial knowledge and experience of working in / managing a research animal facility.
X
X
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ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
Academic structure
Science
Social sciences
Arts and humanities
School of Business, Management and Economics
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
School of Media, Film and Music
Media and Film
Business and Management
Mathematics
Economics
Music
Physics and Astronomy
SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit
School of Engineering and Informatics
School of English
International Summer School
Engineering and Design
School of History, Art History and Philosophy
School of Global Studies
Informatics
American Studies
Anthropology
Art History
School of Psychology
Geography
History
International Development
School of Life Sciences*
Philosophy
International Relations
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Sussex Centre for Language Studies
School of Education and Social Work
(Joint with University of Brighton)
Education
Social Work
School of Law, Politics and Sociology
Law
Politics
Sociology
*No formal department structure
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APPLYING
The appointment process and how to apply
Applications should be sent to ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk and sian.gardiner@mrgpeople.co.uk
For a confidential conversation please contact our advisors Ben Duffill (E:ben.duffill@mrgpeople.co.uk) or Sian Gardiner (E: sian.gardiner@mrgpeople.co.uk) of TheManagement Recruitment Group on T: 0207 959 2368. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and a covering letter (of not more than 2 pages). Applicants are also asked to complete the equal opportunities monitoring formwhich will only be used for statistical monitoring purposes. The University values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of society. It is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. The University aims to ensure that job applicants and members of staff are treated solely on the basis of abilities and potential, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or non-membership, socio-economic background or any other inappropriate distinction.
The appointment will be subject to confirmation of the right to work within the UK, confirmation of higher level qualifications, satisfactory health clearance, and satisfactory references. TERMS OF APPOI NTMENT Thesuccessful applicant will bemade a permanent member of staff of the University. Therole will be based at Sussex and the remuneration packagewill be commensurate with the significance of the appointment and the calibre of the successful applicant.
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