Facilities Coordinator

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics.

As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Location: Babraham Research Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 per week

Site/Lab based position (Cambridge)

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for UK skilled worker sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or must not require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

Your role in our team

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Facilities Coordinator to support the smooth and efficient operation, safety and maintenance of a company’s physical workplace by managing service relationships, coordinating repairs, and handling daily upkeep to support the operation of our scientific research laboratories. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring that all laboratory systems, equipment, and facilities meet the high standards required for cutting-edge scientific research.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Maintenance and Repairs: 

  • Schedule, monitor, and coordinate routine maintenance and statutory checks for building systems (HVAC, lighting, plumbing, electrical, access, water safety, PSSR, LOLER requirements). Raise and track remedial maintenance tasks with Campus provider as appropriate.

  Contractor liaison: 

  • Act as the primary liaison with external contractors, and suppliers, ensuring contract compliance, quality service, follow up repairs are carried out including reporting issues to landlord or relevant service provider. Work closely with lab support to help manage waste disposal processes in compliance with local standards.

  Safety & Compliance:

  • Ensure facilities meet health and safety compliance as per local rules, including managing secure access, badging, and good function of emergency equipment and supporting with reactive issues that may arise. Maintain up-to-date documentation for safety checks, risk assessments, and incident reports. Support with implementation of SOPs, risk assessments and work instructions where required.

  Space & Logistics: 

  • Support the building operations with office/lab moves, space allocations, off site storage, furniture setups as required. 

  Laboratory Equipment Management:

  • Assist with the onboarding and installation of newly purchased capex equipment, liaising with lab users and finance.
  • Oversee and track service contracts, in close communication with equipment owners and finance team.
  • Host engineers when on site, liaising with equipment owners for final communication and repair resolution, with minimal impact to daily laboratory operations and associated scientific projects.
  • Keep an up-to-date record of all lab equipment, ensuring accuracy.

  Support Research Operations:

  • Work collaboratively with research staff to support experiments requiring facility adjustments.
  • Assist with lab support team with daily service provision if required.
  • Manage the supply and changes of lab gases.
  • Participate in on-call rota (for building out of hours emergencies).

You…

• Hold a minimum BTEC or Diploma in a Scientific or Technical/Engineering subject (or equivalent experience).
• Have a strong track record of working in a facilities role within the Life Sciences industry and supporting research laboratories.
• Have a can do attitude, flexible and approachable with excellent organisation, communication and relationship building skills.

With essential experience in…

• Being responsible for equipment management processes.
• Understanding of the research laboratory environment.
• Experience of liaising with contractors and external vendors to ensure contract compliance.
• Experience of coordinating routine maintenance and checks for building systems (HVAC, lighting, plumbing, electrical, access, water safety, PSSR, LOLER requirements).
• Experience using IT systems such as Microsoft Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with this role involving standing 60% of the time and potentially lifting heavier items.

…and possibly…

• Laboratory support experience.
• Knowledge of Health, Safety and environmental requirements related to delivery of the assigned tasks, including manual handling awareness, legionella awareness, pressure systems, liquid nitrogen handling, electrical safety, etc.
• Knowledge of Fixed Asset lifecycle process and ISO Equipment Management.

More reasons to join us:

bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact.

We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other.

Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.

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