BRF Quality Assurance & Audit Lead

Reports to:

• Head of BRF Licencing & Compliance

Contact term:

• This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

The Biological Research Facility supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme. The Biological Research Facility provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in-vivo and ex-vivo research support is at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations. The BRF is committed to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, care of staff and transparency for stakeholders. The BRF teams integrate husbandry of multiple species within a range of facilities, using state of the art technologies, via talented and skilled members of staff.

The QA and Audit manager is primarily responsible for the continuing work of developing and maintaining the quality management and quality assurance processes within the BRF. They will be expected to lead on the work towards accreditation by AAALAC, which is the international quality standard for laboratory animal facilities, while ensuring full compliance with the Home Office legal and best practice requirements. Responsibilities include further development and maintenance of the quality system and documentation, the organisation and progress of audits and reports, and evaluation of the progress of processes to improve quality. The role involves working closely with key members of staff, analysing current practice, collecting data and prepare reports & recommendations. The postholder will advise and work in tandem with the BRF’s Senior Management Team as well as providing training, stimulating a culture of quality with both BRF staff and the Crick’s science community. Furthermore, they will be familiar with and closely follow developments in the field of quality management and quality assurance. A proactive and collaborative approach will be essential.

Additionally as part of the Licencing and compliance team, you will support licencing functions under Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 [ASPA] and will be capable of advising scientists on the standard items of drafting & interpreting a project licence.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Accountable for BRF QA in line with our path to international quality standards as well as ensuring full compliance with Home Office and legal best practice standards. As such responsible for Home Office audit readiness as well as accountable for completion of AAALAC accreditation preparations.

• Project management of audit processes and communications
• Planning, development, implementation and assessment of relevant BRF policies, SOPs and guidelines that have impact on the running and resources of the BRF
• Technical data gathering, analysis and relevant document preparation for AAALAC accreditation project
• Development and administration of relevant documents and deadline management for AAALAC project and the HO audit readiness
• Working with the relevant teams to achieve the level of performance required and maintaining involvement to ensure sustaining and progression of those standards.  
• Development of training and communications around QA and audit preparedness.
• Providing advice and relevant reporting to the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body [AWERB] as required.
• Leading the continuing work of developing and maintaining the quality management and quality assurance processes within the BRF

• To assist on a strategy & harmonised approach to culture of care as well as promotion of the 3Rs through project management & leading of 3Rs initiatives.
  • Working with the Named persons and Head of BRF licensing to develop a culture of care vision for the BRF.
  • Assist in coordination, project management and data analysis of 3Rs initiatives with the named persons, looking to promote an active culture of 3Rs.
  • To assist the NIO in provision of expert advice & communication
  • Management of internal database of 3Rs and welfare initiatives with data gathering and interpretation, input of data from indicated sources and information dissemination as appropriate

• To support the Home Office Liaison Officer [HOLO] in provision of advice to users on PPL applications and interpretation of the Act. Looking to ensure continuity of service across the team.
  • Provision of guidance on project licenses applications and interpretations in their life cycle
  • Assist in provision of secretariat function to the AWERB as required

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial in addition to the following:

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies

• Will have a degree qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience within animal research field.
• Experience in project coordination or project & process management
• Excellent project planning, timekeeping, organisational and record-keeping skills
• Experience in gap analysis, including information gathering, its scrutiny and creating relevant actions in order to improve processes, possess good analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to organise and prioritise their own workload under minimum supervision but as part of the team to meet defined and conflicting deadlines
• Ability to problem solve, use initiative and think beyond the immediate work area with proactive and flexible approach
• Ability to generate and maintain accurate records with an ability to analyse ambiguous data and concepts rigorously
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and presentation skills to demonstrate effective collaboration to create and develop links to enhance work output
• Sound computer literacy skills, willingness to learn new software to apply their use in everyday work
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others
• Able to work independently, drive a project forward, goal oriented.
• Knowledge of Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, amended 2012

Desirable

Qualifications, experience and competencies

• An interest in and sound knowledge of basic medical research
• Experience in minute taking
• Knowledge of other legislation, guidelines, and good practices relevant for research with animals. Affinity with research involving animals.