Freelance Biological Safety Consultant | 1 Day/Week | Oxford
Location: Oxford, UK (On-site)
Contract: Freelance / Independent Contractor
Commitment: 1 day per week
Start: ASAP
Sector: Biotechnology | Pharmaceuticals | Life Sciences | R&D
The Opportunity:
We're looking for an experienced Freelance Biological Safety Consultant to support a globally recognised biotechnology and pharmaceutical organisation at its research and development facility in Oxford.
The facility employs approximately 50 scientists working in a specialist laboratory environment, and the organisation requires ongoing support with biological safety, environmental health and safety (EHS), and regulatory compliance.
This is a long-term consultancy opportunity requiring just one day per week on-site for a minimum of 12 months, making it particularly suitable for an independent consultant who already supports other clients.
We're particularly interested in professionals who understand the practical realities of working in scientific laboratories, rather than generalist health and safety consultants.
What You'll Be Doing:
Working closely with scientists, laboratory personnel and site management, you'll provide specialist advice and practical support across biological safety and EHS matters.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing specialist biological safety and EHS advice within a working biotechnology/pharmaceutical R&D facility.
- Reviewing and advising on biological risk assessments, including bioCOSHH documentation.
- Supporting safe working practices involving biological agents and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Advising on compliance with the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 and COSHH Regulations 2002.
- Reviewing laboratory containment measures, safety procedures and local rules.
- Identifying biological hazards and recommending appropriate risk control measures.
- Supporting the development and improvement of laboratory safety processes and documentation.
- Advising scientific and operational teams on relevant UK health and safety legislation.
- Guiding regulatory requirements and supporting inspection readiness where appropriate.
- Acting as a knowledgeable point of contact for laboratory-related EHS and biological safety matters.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience providing biological safety, biosafety or specialist EHS support within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences or laboratory-based R&D.
- Practical experience assessing biological hazards and laboratory risks.
- Knowledge of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including relevant containment and risk assessment requirements.
- Strong working knowledge of COSHH and UK biological safety legislation.
- Experience reviewing laboratory safety procedures, risk assessments and control measures.
- Confidence advising scientists, laboratory managers and other technical stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and provide practical, proportionate advice.
- Availability to attend the Oxford facility approximately one day per week.
Highly Desirable:
- Previous experience as a Biological Safety Officer (BSO), Biological Safety Advisor (BSA) or equivalent.
- Experience supporting Genetic Modification Safety Committees (GMSCs).
- Knowledge of laboratory containment levels, particularly CL1 and CL2, with higher-level containment experience advantageous.
- Previous consultancy experience supporting multiple scientific or pharmaceutical clients.
Formal BSO accreditation is advantageous but not automatically essential. Relevant practical experience and demonstrable competence will be equally important.
The Contract:
This is a freelance consultancy assignment initially lasting a minimum of 12 months, with approximately one day per week required on-site in Oxford.
You’ll be supporting an established scientific organisation through an ongoing managed EHS service, with the opportunity to work alongside experienced research and laboratory professionals.
The assignment may suit an established independent consultant, an experienced Biological Safety Advisor or a specialist laboratory EHS professional seeking an additional long-term client engagement.
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