Biological Safety Compliance Manager in Norwich

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Biological Safety Compliance Manager to join their busy HSEQ team. The HSEQ team supports the John Innes Centre (JIC), Earlham Institute (EI), Quadram Institute (QIB), The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), and the Partnership teams. This role is ideal for scientists who would like to transition from research to site-wide operational responsibilities, enabling the application of scientific expertise to:

• Ensure biological safety compliance across JIC.
• Train personnel on safe laboratory practices.
• Provide authoritative advice on biological safety.

The post-holder will provide expert oversight of biological safety across JIC and NGI operations, ensure compliance with GMO and Plant Health Licence (PHL) regulations, support new and refurbished facility start-ups, and advise teams on safe research practices. The role also includes:

• Developing and delivering biological safety training.
• Contributing to the creation of new compliance tools within the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) system.
• Investigating biological safety-related incidents.
• Providing authoritative guidance on:

• a) Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) under the Contained Use Regulations 2014 and Deliberate Release Regulations 2002.
• b) Plant Health Licence (PHL) work under Defra.

The successful candidate must be self-motivated, enjoy working in a team, and act as a role model. The post-holder will promote a healthy and safe working environment and encourage good biological safety practices in line with legislation and best practice. The role requires both formal and informal leadership and influencing skills, and training support can be provided to develop the biological safety and incident investigation aspects of the role if required.

Key Relationships

• Reports to the Head of HSEQ.
• Works closely with other HSEQ team members, NBIP functions including Facilities and JIC lab managers, the Field Station Manager, the NGI team, JIC Head of Business Development and team, and JIC Horticultural Services to deliver outstanding health and safety support on site.
• Interacts with regulatory bodies, including Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Lead, in collaboration with the HSEQ Biological Safety Adviser, biological safety oversight, risk assessments, advice, and containment evaluations across JIC laboratories, field stations, and support areas.
• Provide authoritative guidance on biological safety compliance, ensuring all JIC research and operational activities comply with legislation, licences, and best practice (GMOs, PHL).
• Advise on new technologies, risks, and regulatory updates.
• Ensure JIC compliance with GMO, PHL, and other regulatory frameworks, monitoring standards, addressing non-compliance, and implementing corrective actions.
• Plan, conduct, and report on biological safety inspections and audits, identifying gaps and implementing corrective measures.
• Investigate biological safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses, determining root causes, assessing risk impacts, and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide timely, high-quality reports to the Head of HSEQ.
• Perform complex and specialist biological safety risk assessments for GM, GE, and PHL work in laboratories, greenhouses, and field station.
• Deliver biological safety training to staff, sharing scientific knowledge and practical expertise.
• Advise JIC Project Leaders, staff, and site teams on mitigation strategies, best practices, and operational safety measures.
• Support new start-up companies and new/refurbished facilities, ensuring biological safety compliance.
• Collaborate with JIC Horticultural Services, Field Experimentation Stations, and HSEQ advisers/officers to maintain consistent biological safety practices.
• Engage with regulatory bodies (HSE, Defra), proactively providing information, updates, and evidence of compliance.
• Champion a culture of biological safety across the site, promoting good practice and ensuring adherence to legislation, licence conditions, and internal policies.
• Develop, standardise, and optimise JIC GMRA processes within the EHS system (Evotix), contributing to new compliance tools to enhance biological safety management.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post, as agreed with the line manager.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications Requirement

• MSc or PhD in Biology subject.
• Membership of a professional body (e.g., IOSH).
• Biological Safety Practitioner (Level 1) or Biological Safety Professional (Level 2).
• NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement

• Knowledge and understanding of biological safety legislation and regulations, including GMO and PHL requirements.
• Experience in laboratory work, ideally with genetically modified organisms.
• Ability to use databases and spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and research new methods.
• Experience with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) management systems such as Evotix.
• Experience in operational start-ups or facility commissioning.
• Experience investigating incidents and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to prepare policies, codes of practice, and guidance documents.

Relevant Experience Requirement

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, engaging varied audiences and providing structured progress updates.
• Significant experience in scientific research.
• Experience providing pragmatic, solutions-oriented advice on legislation, regulations, policy, and procedures to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge and/or experience working at Biosafety Containment Level 2 or higher.
• Experience of writing risk assessments, method statements and work instructions.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyse and present quantitative and qualitative data clearly.
• Ability to influence and negotiate effectively to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levels.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions focused.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional responsibilities.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload effectively.

Additional Requirements Requirement

• Attention to detail.
• Promotes equality and values diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to embrace the values and behaviours of the Partnership.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in H&S and biological safety practices through regular review and updating of policies and procedures.
• Ability to undertake occasional national and international travel for collaborations or seminars (reasonable adjustments will be considered).
• Full, clean UK driving licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered).
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) in biological safety and related disciplines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity.