Are you an experienced safety officer, specialising in biological safety and other hazardous agents, looking to make a meaningful impact? Join our team in the Safety Office at the University of Oxford and support our work in relation to hazardous substances to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.
Location: Occupational Health and Safety Office, 10 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PD
Salary: Grade 8, £49,119 - £58,265 per annum
Contract: Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence.
The Safety Office supports the University in its strategic aim of delivering high standards of health and safety management. Our services support staff, students, contractors and visitors, whether they are based in Oxford or elsewhere. We aim to provide practical solutions across a wide range of activities, including research, teaching, maintenance and capital projects.
Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
This is a University-wide role providing specialist advice on biological safety and other hazardous agents across the University. The post holder will work closely with, and deputise for, the University Biological Safety Officer, providing specialist advice on biological safety (including genetically modified organisms), while also supporting the wider work of the Safety Office in relation to hazardous substances, including chemicals, laboratory animal allergens and compressed and cryogenic gases.
The role forms part of the Safety Office's wider hazardous agents capability and is expected to develop over time in response to emerging risks, service priorities and the University's evolving research portfolio. Biological safety will form the principal focus of the role.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the Safety Office’s extensive programme of health and safety training for staff and students by delivering talks on specialist safety topics. They will also be expected to undertake accident investigation and provide general health and safety advice to academic departments and professional support services.
The post-holder will support the University Occupational Health & Safety wider activities by attending relevant committees and meetings, including drafting safety policies and preparing committee papers.
About You
- Significant experience of providing health and safety advice within laboratory research environments.
- Significant experience of providing specialist advice on biological safety, with knowledge of other hazardous agent disciplines such as hazardous chemicals or laboratory animal allergens.
- Experience of delivering health and safety services within a large, complex organisation.
- Experience of undertaking relevant research in a laboratory setting.
- A relevant degree or qualification, including Biosafety Practitioner Level 1 (or equivalent) or NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (or equivalent).
- Ability to influence and build effective working relationships with staff at all levels.
- Ability to work independently, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical solutions to complex health and safety issues.
- Ability to apply proportionate, risk-based judgement while supporting teaching and research activities.
- Ability to facilitate collaborative solutions to health and safety challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Experience of planning, developing and delivering health and safety training.
- Experience of developing or reviewing health and safety policies, guidance or management systems.
- Ability to prioritise a varied workload and respond effectively to changing priorities.
- Strong digital skills, including proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to use specialist information management systems.
- Experience of undertaking audits, inspections or incident investigations and using findings to drive improvement.
Sponsorship and Right To Work
This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- The completed Selection Criteria Evidence document
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 7 August 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place on 18 August and will be held in person. Details will be confirmed after shortlisting.
