The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
Organisational position and purpose
The successful candidate will provide the Institute with the expert professional support necessary to facilitate control and mitigation of the high consequence biorisk, health safety & environment (HSBS) risk arising from its work; to provide robust monitor and assurance for stakeholders across these areas; and to comply with applicable health safety & environment law and related legislation including maintaining legal authority to operate as a Major Hazard Site and under its Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008 license.
The HSBS Team at Pirbright is pivotal to the organisation and is expected to render excellent levels of service and exacting standards of work to support research, diagnostics and operations.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Deliver proportionate, reliable, and authoritative professional Health, Safety and Biosafety advice to staff/students and stakeholders, on (but not limited to) matters of risk assessment, biological containment and facilitating operational controls.
- Lead on the development of best practice in all applicable aspects of HSBS risk management and regulatory compliance, particularly biorisk management up to Containment Level 4 for animal health and genetic modification hazards, and up to Containment Level 3 for human health hazards, fire safety management and other priority areas as required (e.g. technical biosafety, genetic modification, audits/inspections, material transfers, occupational health, chemicals/compressed gases/cryogens, radiation).
- In collaboration with other HSBS Advisors, take the lead in identifying safety and biosafety related training needs across the organisation, and develop and deliver effective training, in support of the above.
- Work closely with other HSBS Advisors and relevant Institute colleagues to provide professional HSBS advice to site development programme and capital projects.
- Manage incidents as incident coordinator and undertake investigations of incidents, including development of emergency preparedness, root cause analysis, identification of lessons learned, and collation, interpretation and presentation of metrics.
- Carry out a combination of management system and topic focused audits, as well as detailed site-wide inspections, producing high quality reports.
- Monitor and facilitate the implementation of corrective and improvement actions identified by HSBS audits, inspections and investigations.
- Act as duty Biological Safety Officer on a rota basis (training and support for this will be given), to provide immediately available advice and assistance on biosafety matters, in both working hours and out-of-hours, subject to a paid allowance for the latter.
- Line manage junior staff as required by senior management, setting objectives, providing mentorship and development opportunities, and reviewing performance.
This job description is only an outline of tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Institute.
All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Head of Quality. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health safety and security by compliance with relevant policies, and all employees are responsible for the health safety and security of staff under their management.
Specific requirements
Essential:
- A minimum of an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific, technical engineering or health & safety related subject.
- A minimum of 2 years of work experience in management of biorisk or health & safety.
- Relevant UK Occupational Health & Safety and/or biosafety qualifications.
- Track record of leading complex workstreams effectively and delivering high-quality outcomes to agreed timelines.
- Track record of building effective work relationships and communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Desirable:
- Research, diagnostic and/or technical laboratory experience.
- Auditing qualifications or training, and/or experience in ISO 35001 or ISO 45001 auditing.
- Training qualifications, and/or experience in development and delivery of HSBS training.
- Fire safety experience and qualifications.
What we offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
- Cycle to work
- Staff restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric Car charging facilities
We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion.
