At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure laboratory safety and compliance while supporting innovative research at the Generative Biology Institute.
- Company: Join a world-class team at the Ellison Institute of Technology, driving solutions for global challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge research facility focused on health and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or related field with hands-on lab experience and safety knowledge.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values creativity, emotional intelligence, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.
GBI is seeking a Laboratory Safety Officer to support the safe and compliant operation of its laboratories. Reporting to the Head of Laboratory Operations and working closely with the central EIT Head of Health & Safety, the role ensures regulatory compliance, maintains health and safety procedures, and supports evolving research activities. The Laboratory Safety Officer will also contribute to the central EH&S Committee, promoting best practices and cross-site collaboration.
Key Responsibilities- To assist in developing and to implement and maintain GBI’s health and safety policies in line with standards across UK legislation and industry best practices (e.g. HSE, COSHH, COMAH), ensuring a safe working environment.
- To ensure full compliance with relevant regulations for GBI, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and other applicable regulatory frameworks.
- To conduct or support risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations as required, driving continual improvement in health and safety performance.
- To ensure proper documentation of processes, workflows, and sample handling procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- To review and provide input on experimental protocols where required, ensuring alignment with biosafety and regulatory standards.
- To coordinate and deliver health and safety training programmes for all GBI laboratory personnel.
- To identify and manage biological, chemical and radiological hazards, ensuring appropriate control measures are in place across GBI’s operations.
- To manage safety infrastructure and equipment, including PPE, emergency systems, waste disposal, and lab-specific containment and ventilation requirements.
- To support preparation for external audits and inspections, including those by the HSE, ensuring readiness and accurate record-keeping.
- To promote a proactive safety culture by working closely with researchers and technical staff to reinforce best practices and continuous improvement.
- To recruit, train, and support staff in best practices for laboratory safety, providing guidance on risk management, emergency procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with EIT Health & Safety teams to align on approaches for health and safety.
- A degree in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, or a related field, with hands‑on laboratory experience.
- In-depth knowledge of laboratory health and safety requirements, with direct experience supporting safety operations in environments involving synthetic biology, hazardous chemicals, or biohazardous materials.
- Strong technical expertise in Chemical, biological, and radiation safety regulations.
- Risk assessments, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), and laboratory hazard control measures.
- Experience in safety audits and/or regulatory inspections (preferred).
- Ability to drive continuous improvements in health and safety, aligning safety initiatives with the evolving needs of a cutting‑edge research environment.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and technical staff across GBI, ensuring alignment with experimental requirements.
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electrical Car Scheme
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of AppointmentYou must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
Laboratory Safety Officer - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxford, E[...] employer: Ellison Institute, LLC
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute, LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Safety Officer - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxford, E[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Generative Biology Institute. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in laboratory safety and generative biology. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the work being done at EIT. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with health and safety regulations, as well as your ability to foster a proactive safety culture in the lab.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the EIT team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Safety Officer - Generative Biology Institute Generative Biology Institute Oxford, E[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Laboratory Safety Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in health and safety, especially in laboratory settings, and show us how you align with our mission at the Generative Biology Institute.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to our team. Talk about your hands-on laboratory experience and any specific safety regulations you’re familiar with. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the key health and safety regulations relevant to the role, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the compliance landscape and how it applies to laboratory operations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your hands-on laboratory experience that demonstrate your knowledge of safety protocols and risk assessments. Highlight any previous roles where you contributed to safety audits or managed hazardous materials, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with researchers and technical staff, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. Share instances where you promoted a safety culture or trained others on best practices, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively across teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in safety-related situations. Think about how you would handle incidents or implement new safety measures, and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.