Biological and Chemical Safety Officer - Generative Biology Institute in Oxford

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we translate scientific discovery into real-world impact by bringing together scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four transformative areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing CO₂; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. Explore more at www.eit.org.

Welcome to the Generative Biology Institute (GBI). The GBI aims to overcome two challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) precisely synthesizing entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. GBI will house 30 groups and over 600 researchers, supported by facilities and funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Biological and Chemical Safety Officer (BCSO) to support the safe, compliant, and effective operation of GBI laboratories. The BCSO develops, implements, and monitors biological and chemical safety programmes in line with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. The role supports safe research, teaching, and operational activities involving biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other regulated materials through risk assessment, training, audits, inspections, and incident response. The role also assists in maintaining health and safety procedures, ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance, and supporting day-to-day laboratory safety operations as GBI research evolves. Working with central EIT Health and Safety colleagues, the BCSO helps ensure consistency and alignment of safety practices across the organisation and contributes to institutional forums such as the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Committee to share best practices and strengthen cross-site collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Biological Safety
  • Work with GBI researchers to develop, implement, and maintain biological safety procedures in line with relevant regulations and guidance, including containment and biosafety standards.
  • Support researchers to develop biological risk assessments for research protocols, laboratory activities, and operational processes.
  • Act as an expert resource for biological safety practices, including pathogen handling, recombinant DNA work, and biohazardous waste management.
  • Carry out routine lab walks for laboratories using biological agents, advising on best practice and encouraging safe research approaches.
  • Lead on GBI biosafety processes and support relevant safety committees.
  • Lead investigations regarding biological safety incidents, exposures, and near misses, and recommend corrective and preventive actions to ensure safe research.
• Chemical Safety
  • Develop and oversee GBI chemical safety programmes, including chemical hygiene practices and hazardous material management.
  • Review and advise on chemical risk assessments, SOPs, and safety data sheets (SDS).
  • Ensure compliance with chemical storage, labelling, handling, and disposal requirements.
  • Support chemical inventory control and hazardous waste management.
  • Carry out routine lab walks for laboratories using chemical agents, advising on best practice and encouraging safe research approaches.
  • Lead investigations regarding chemical safety incidents, exposures, and near misses, and recommend corrective and preventive actions to ensure safe research.
  • Conduct relevant chemical safety audits where required, translating lessons learned into actionable improvements.
• Health & Safety Compliance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain GBI health and safety policies in line with UK legislation and industry best practice (e.g., HSE, COSHH).
  • Collaborate with EIT H&S colleagues to support compliance with regulations including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH.
  • Act as the GBI lead for internal and external audits and inspections, including maintaining accurate records and documentation.
  • Develop frameworks to ensure all GBI colleagues document processes, workflows, and sample handling procedures.
• Training & Education
  • Develop training materials, guidance documents, and SOP templates aligned with GBI research needs.
  • Coordinate and deliver biological and chemical safety training for GBI researchers, staff, students, and contractors.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture through engagement, communication, and continuous education initiatives.
• Incident Management & Emergency Response
  • Participate in emergency responses to biological and chemical incidents.
  • Provide technical support and leadership during spills, exposures, or containment breaches.
  • Support incident investigation, reporting, and post-incident reviews, incorporating lessons learned into new working practices.
• Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
  • Monitor safety performance and identify trends or areas for improvement.
  • Recommend enhancements to safety programmes, procedures, and controls.
  • Collaborate with the GBI Lab Operations team, Technology Hub specialists, researchers and EIT H&S colleagues to ensure consistent standards.
  • Stay informed of emerging regulations, risks, and best practices in biological and chemical safety, sharing knowledge to raise awareness of modern practices.

Requirements

• Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental health, occupational safety, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in biological and/or chemical safety, laboratory safety, or EHS.
  • Working knowledge of biological containment principles and chemical hazard controls.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Experience delivering health & safety training to improve knowledge and standards.
• Preferred
  • Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or safety discipline.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CBSP, RBP, CSP, CIH, or equivalent).
  • Experience in academic research, healthcare, or industrial laboratory environments.
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to biosafety and chemical safety.

Skills & Competencies

• Risk assessment and hazard analysis.
• Regulatory interpretation and compliance.
• Training delivery and instructional design.
• Incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• Travel allowance + Bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Working Together - What It Involves

You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, sponsorship can be considered on a case-by-case basis. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).