At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert health, safety, and biosafety advice to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
- Company: The Pirbright Institute, a leader in viral disease research and prevention.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 25 days leave, gym membership, and childcare allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal team making a real impact on animal health and safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and 2 years of health & safety experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 53000 £ per year.
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks.
We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors.
Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
- Contract Length : Permanent
- No other similar positions
- Health Safety & Biosafety Advisor
- Organisational position and purpose
The successful candidate will provide the Institute with the expert professional support necessary to facilitate control and mitigation of the high consequence biorisk, health safety & environment (HSBS) risk arising from its work; to provide robust monitor and assurance for stakeholders across these areas; and to comply with applicable health safety & environment law and related legislation including maintaining legal authority to operate as a Major Hazard Site and under its Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008 license.
The HSBS Team at Pirbright is pivotal to the organisation and is expected to render excellent levels of service and exacting standards of work to support research, diagnostics and operations.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Deliver proportionate, reliable, and authoritative professional Health, Safety and Biosafety advice to staff/students and stakeholders, on (but not limited to) matters of risk assessment, biological containment and facilitating operational controls.
- Lead on the development of best practice in all applicable aspects of HSBS risk management and regulatory compliance, particularly biorisk management up to Containment Level 4 for animal health and genetic modification hazards, and up to Containment Level 3 for human health hazards, fire safety management and other priority areas as required (e. g. technical biosafety, genetic modification, audits/inspections, material transfers, occupational health, chemicals/compressed gases/cryogens, radiation).
- In collaboration with other HSBS Advisors, take the lead in identifying safety and biosafety related training needs across the organisation, and develop and deliver effective training, in support of the above.
- Work closely with other HSBS Advisors and relevant Institute colleagues to provide professional HSBS advice to site development programme and capital projects.
- Manage incidents as incident coordinator and undertake investigations of incidents, including development of emergency preparedness, root cause analysis, identification of lessons learned, and collation, interpretation and presentation of metrics.
- Carry out a combination of management system and topic focused audits, as well as detailed site-wide inspections, producing high quality reports.
- Monitor and facilitate the implementation of corrective and improvement actions identified by HSBS audits, inspections and investigations.
- Act as duty Biological Safety Officer on a rota basis (training and support for this will be given), to provide immediately available advice and assistance on biosafety matters, in both working hours and out-of-hours, subject to a paid allowance for the latter.
- Line manage junior staff as required by senior management, setting objectives, providing mentorship and development opportunities, and reviewing performance.
This job description is only an outline of tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role.
The jobholder will carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager.
The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Institute.
All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute's Head of Quality.
Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health safety and security by compliance with relevant policies, and all employees are responsible for the health safety and security of staff under their management.
Essential
- A minimum of an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific, technical engineering or health & safety related subject.
- A minimum of 2 years of work experience in management of biorisk or health & safety.
- Relevant UK Occupational Health & Safety and/or biosafety qualifications.
- Track record of leading complex workstreams effectively and delivering high-quality outcomes to agreed timelines.
- Track record of building effective work relationships and communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Desirable
- Research, diagnostic and/or technical laboratory experience.
- Auditing qualifications or training, and/or experience in ISO 35001 or ISO 45001 auditing.
- Training qualifications, and/or experience in development and delivery of HSBS training.
- Fire safety experience and qualifications.
What We Offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
- Cycle to work
- Staff restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric Car charging facilities
We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion.
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Health Safety & Biosafety Advisor employer: Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing
The Pirbright Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the field of viral disease research. Employees benefit from generous leave policies, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements that improve global health. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, staff enjoy access to excellent amenities, including a gym and social club, fostering a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience.
Contact Details:
Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health Safety & Biosafety Advisor
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We think you need these skills to ace Health Safety & Biosafety Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
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Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Centre for Veterinary Vaccine Innovation and Manufacturing’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
