Job Description
Biological Safety Officer (BSO) | Research & Laboratory Environment
Oxford area, OX4 | Hybrid
We’re hiring a Biological Safety Officer (BSO) to take ownership of biosafety across a large, fast-growing research and laboratory environment.
This is a senior, hands-on role, suited to someone who enjoys being close to the science, advising researchers directly, and setting practical, compliant biosafety frameworks across multi-disciplinary labs.
What you’ll be doing
* Leading and maintaining biosafety programmes across research and operational activities
* Acting as the main point of contact for biosafety advice and approvals
* Managing biosafety compliance for GMOs, human biological materials, plant pathogens, and transgenic plants
* Conducting risk assessments, approving protocols, and overseeing containment levels 1–3
* Delivering biosafety training, inspections, and incident investigations
* Overseeing biological waste management, decontamination, and laboratory audits
* Maintaining robust documentation and audit-ready records
What we’re looking for
* Strong background in biology, microbiology, plant science, environmental health, or similar
* 5+ years’ experience in a biosafety role within research, biotech, or laboratory environments
* In-depth knowledge of UK biosafety regulations and best practice
* Experience with containment, autoclaving, disinfection, and biosecurity
* Confident communicator who can work with scientists, leadership, and external bodies
* Eligibility to work in the UK and commute to Oxford
This is a genuinely impactful role with scope, visibility, and responsibility.