At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead biosafety programmes and advise researchers in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Fast-growing research organisation with a focus on biosafety.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biosafety while working closely with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in biosafety with strong biology or microbiology background.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy a role with visibility and responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Biological Safety Officer (BSO) to take ownership of biosafety across a large, fast-growing research and laboratory environment. This is a senior, hands-on role, suited to someone who enjoys being close to the science, advising researchers directly, and setting practical, compliant biosafety frameworks across multi-disciplinary labs.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and maintaining biosafety programmes across research and operational activities
- Acting as the main point of contact for biosafety advice and approvals
- Managing biosafety compliance for GMOs, human biological materials, plant pathogens, and transgenic plants
- Conducting risk assessments, approving protocols, and overseeing containment levels 1–3
- Delivering biosafety training, inspections, and incident investigations
- Overseeing biological waste management, decontamination, and laboratory audits
- Maintaining robust documentation and audit-ready records
What we’re looking for:
- Strong background in biology, microbiology, plant science, environmental health, or similar
- 5+ years’ experience in a biosafety role within research, biotech, or laboratory environments
- In-depth knowledge of UK biosafety regulations and best practice
- Experience with containment, autoclaving, disinfection, and biosecurity
- Confident communicator who can work with scientists, leadership, and external bodies
- Eligibility to work in the UK and commute to Oxford
This is a genuinely impactful role with scope, visibility, and responsibility.
Biological Safety Officer (BSO) | Research & Laboratory Environment in Oxford employer: BioTalent
Contact Detail:
BioTalent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biological Safety Officer (BSO) | Research & Laboratory Environment in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biosafety field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK biosafety regulations and best practices. We recommend having some real-life examples ready to showcase your experience in managing biosafety compliance and conducting risk assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our team in the biosafety space.
We think you need these skills to ace Biological Safety Officer (BSO) | Research & Laboratory Environment in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in biosafety and research environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about biosafety and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Biological Safety Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. In your application, highlight examples of how you've successfully advised or trained others in the past. We want to know you can connect with scientists and leadership alike!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent
✨Know Your Biosafety Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK biosafety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in managing compliance for GMOs and human biological materials.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so prepare examples from your past where you've led biosafety programmes or conducted risk assessments. Highlight specific situations where your actions made a difference in safety or compliance.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a Biological Safety Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with scientists and leadership. Practice articulating complex biosafety concepts in simple terms, and be ready to demonstrate your ability to advise and train others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in biosafety situations. Think through potential incidents you might face and how you would handle them, focusing on your decision-making process and adherence to protocols.