At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety inspections, audits, and develop guidance for biological safety.
- Company: Join the Norwich Bioscience Institutes, tackling major global challenges in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual leave, pension scheme, and excellent recreational facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health and safety while working with top researchers in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology; experience with Quality Management Systems and NEBOSH certification required.
- Other info: Full-time, indefinite role with visa application support; equal opportunities employer.
The predicted salary is between 44500 - 49300 £ per year.
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor to join their busy Health and Safety, Environment and Quality team.
Background: The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century - the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing. The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.
Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team. In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.
The Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) team provides support to the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Quadram Institute. HSEQ also provides support to the NBI Partnership, comprised of several support departments: Computing & Information Services, Research Computing, Facilities, HSEQ, Finance and Purchasing, Human Resources, Library and Information Services and Research Grants and Contracts.
The role: The Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor will lead on the planning and delivery of health and safety inspections and audits (including biological safety) working collaboratively with the HSEQ Business Systems Coordinator. They will also be expected to assess complex and higher-risk work activities and draft and review guidance, policies, risk assessments etc. You will specifically plan, conduct and report on internal Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015) for QIB and EI; assessing if the system continues to meet its objectives and identify improvements if appropriate. Plan, conduct and report on Quality Management activities to compliance with the Joint Code of Practice for Research at JIC, TSL and QIB.
You will provide authoritative advice on general health and safety compliance in laboratories and support areas. The post holder will also develop and review Health and Safety and Biological Safety guidance and policies, review, and authorise procedures and risk assessments and prepares and delivers mandatory and bespoke training.
The successful candidate will provide authoritative advice on biological safety on site, including genetically modified materials work under The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 and Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2002, Plant Health Licence work under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Hazard Group 2 and 3 pathogens work under the Health and Safety Executive’s remit, human tissue work under the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and work with Animal By Products.
You will monitor compliance, and address biosafety related impact related to laboratories and operational activities. The post holder will interpret external specialist advice including information from regulatory bodies and make suitable recommendations to the Institutes to effectively implement advice and provide regular support to the Biological Safety Officers in TSL and QIB.
The ideal candidate: The successful candidate will have a BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology subject. They will have experience in managing and implementing Quality Management Systems and interpreting ISO standards. You will have experience of working in research institutes or universities providing biological advice and have a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent. The post holder will provide authoritative advice on general health and safety compliance in laboratories and support areas.
The candidate should have the ability to prepare and review risk assessments, method statements and standard operating procedures. The candidate will have good knowledge and experience of working safely with hazardous materials in laboratory environments and experience in conducting workplace inspections and checks.
The successful candidate must be self-motivated with the ability to work well in a team by promoting and encouraging a healthy and safe working environment in line with legislation and best practice.
Additional information: Salary on appointment will be within the range £44,500 to £49,300 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post offered on an indefinite basis. This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications. The closing date for applications will be 16 April 2025.
Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor employer: NBI Partnership
Contact Detail:
NBI Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ISO standards mentioned in the job description, particularly ISO 9001:2015. Understanding these standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality management.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the bioscience and health and safety sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet people from the Norwich Bioscience Institutes or similar organisations. This can give you insights into their culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with risk assessments and biological safety in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed compliance in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Norwich Bioscience Institutes and their current projects. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality management systems and biological safety. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage health and safety compliance.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for applying to the Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership. Mention how your qualifications align with the job requirements, particularly your experience with ISO standards and biological safety regulations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your academic qualifications, such as your BSc, MSc, or PhD in Biology, and any certifications like the NEBOSH General Certificate. This will help the hiring team quickly see your suitability for the role.
Showcase Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you have successfully worked in teams or led projects related to health and safety. Emphasise your ability to promote a safe working environment and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
How to prepare for a job interview at NBI Partnership
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor position. Familiarise yourself with ISO9001:2015 standards and the specific health and safety regulations mentioned in the job description.
✨Prepare Relevant Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage quality systems, conduct audits, and provide biological safety advice. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex situations or challenges in laboratory environments.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This role requires collaboration with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked in teams before, particularly in a research or safety context. Highlight your ability to promote a healthy and safe working environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges the HSEQ team faces or how they measure success in this position. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and forward-thinking approach.