Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe lab operations by developing and monitoring biological and chemical safety programmes.
- Company: Join the innovative Ellison Institute of Technology, tackling global challenges with cutting-edge research.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel allowance, enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health and sustainability while working with visionary scientists.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field; experience in biological or chemical safety preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we are on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact. We bring together visionary 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, and Robotics.
Welcome to the Generative Biology Institute: 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 600 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.
Your Role: At EIT, 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 role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring biological and chemical safety programmes in line with institutional policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The BCSO 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Biological Safety: Work with GBI research colleagues to develop, implement, and maintain biological safety procedures in compliance 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's 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 that all GBI research is conducted safely.
- Chemical Safety: Develop and provide oversight of GBI chemical safety programmes, including chemical hygiene practices and hazardous material management. Review and advise on chemical risk assessments, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety data sheets (SDS). Ensure compliance with requirements for chemical storage, labelling, handling, and disposal. 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. Conduct relevant chemical safety audits where required, translating lessons learnt 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). Work with other EIT H&S colleagues to support compliance with relevant regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Act as the GBI lead for internal and external audits and inspections, including maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Training Education: Develop training materials, guidance documents, and SOP templates in alignment 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 learnt 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. Work collaboratively with the GBI Lab Operations team, Technology Hub specialists, research colleagues, and EIT H&S colleagues to ensure consistent standards. Stay informed of emerging regulations, risks, and best practices in biological and chemical safety, and share knowledge to raise everyone's awareness of modern practices.
Requirements:
- Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Required Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental health, occupational safety, or a 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 of providing H&S 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, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).
Biological And Chemical Safety Officer in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute of Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biological And Chemical Safety Officer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with researchers at EIT. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching EIT’s projects and values. Show us how your skills align with our mission to tackle global challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our innovative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safety protocols and compliance. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be confident and articulate!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at EIT.
We think you need these skills to ace Biological And Chemical Safety Officer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Biological and Chemical Safety Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in biological and chemical safety, and show us how your skills align with our mission at EIT.
Showcase Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the work we do. Share your enthusiasm for scientific discovery and how you can contribute to tackling humanity's greatest challenges in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to decipher complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at EIT.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology
✨Know Your Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the latest biological and chemical safety regulations relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations apply to the work at the Generative Biology Institute and demonstrate your understanding of compliance requirements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience in biological and chemical safety, especially any specific incidents you've managed or training you've delivered. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills in risk assessment and incident management, as this will show you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about potential biological or chemical incidents and how you would respond, ensuring you emphasise your analytical and organisational skills during your answers.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, safety culture, and ongoing projects at the GBI. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.