Human Tissue & Research Governance Lead
Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is an interdisciplinary research organisation that aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity's most enduring challenges, guided by four humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. The campus is expanding to a 2 million sq ft site across the western part of the Oxford Science Park, designed by Foster + Partners.
EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone's experience and expertise are valued.
Key Responsibilities
Human Tissue Governance & Compliance
* Act as cross‑EIT subject‑matter expert on the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the HTA Codes of Practice, and on their application to research and laboratory activities.
* Support the Designated Individual and Persons Designated in discharging their duties under the HTA licence(s), ensuring that all activities involving human biological materials meet licensing standards.
* Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of a Quality Management System for human tissue use and related laboratory processes.
* Oversee EIT‑wide systems for consent, traceability, storage, use and disposal of human material.
* Coordinate internal compliance audits, self‑assessments and corrective actions; ensure readiness for HTA inspections.
* Facilitate pan‑EIT HTA inspections by acting as a key institutional liaison with the Authority, coordinating pre‑inspection preparations, managing inspection logistics and responding to findings.
* Provide expert advice to researchers, laboratory managers and governance staff on the ethical and legal requirements for use of human tissue in research.
Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
* Oversee the cross‑EIT research governance assurance processes, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external frameworks (e.g. UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, UKRIO guidance, MRC policies).
* Support the Research Sponsorship function by reviewing ethics applications, amendments and related documentation for projects requiring institutional sponsorship.
* Advise researchers on appropriate ethical routes (e.g. NHS REC, university REC, other independent REC, or internal review), and facilitate coordination between investigators, governance offices and ethics committees.
* Establish clear processes to ensure new projects, programmes and other initiatives are considered for ethical standards and receive appropriate review and approval prior to commencement.
* Contribute to the development and review of research governance policies, standard operating procedures and guidance documents, ensuring consistency with national frameworks and best practice.
* Lead or contribute to assurance reviews and audits across research governance domains, reporting findings to the Research Governance Committee or an equivalent body.
* Provide clear, pragmatic governance advice to support innovative and collaborative research while maintaining compliance and risk control.
Laboratory and Facility Governance
* Work with the wider Quality team, Biosafety and operational teams across EIT research facilities to embed governance and quality systems across research facilities.
* Where required, support the onboarding of new laboratories, research platforms and facilities, ensuring governance systems are established before operational use (e.g. consent processes, sample traceability, risk assessments, SOPs).
* Provide assurance oversight during the commissioning and decommissioning of facilities and equipment to ensure regulatory and ethical compliance.
* Promote integration between governance, biosafety, quality assurance and operational safety systems to ensure efficient and proportionate oversight.
Training, Engagement and Continuous Improvement
* Design and deliver training programmes for researchers and technical staff on HTA compliance, ethics and research governance requirements.
* Build awareness of the institute's governance and ethical responsibilities, fostering a positive culture of compliance and integrity.
* Maintain oversight of governance‑related risk registers, incident management systems and improvement plans.
* Monitor developments in legislation, regulation and best practice and ensure timely communication of policy updates.
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
* Significant experience in research governance, quality management or compliance, ideally in a biomedical or research institute setting.
* Expert understanding of the Human Tissue Act 2004, HTA licensing standards and Codes of Practice.
* Experience implementing and maintaining Quality Management Systems, including audit, inspection readiness and continuous improvement.
* Strong working knowledge of UK research ethics frameworks, including NHS REC processes and institutional research sponsorship responsibilities.
* Experience reviewing or managing research ethics submissions, amendments and study closure processes.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to explain regulatory concepts clearly to scientists and managers.
* Demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects, balance priorities and maintain attention to detail.
* Degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience supporting or deputising for a Designated Individual or Person Designated under an HTA licence.
* Knowledge of broader regulatory frameworks relevant to research (e.g. HRA, UKAS, GDPR, biosafety).
* Experience managing or delivering internal/external inspections.
* Membership of a professional body (e.g. Research Quality Association, Institute of Biomedical Science).
Benefits
* Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 + Travel Allowance & Bonus
* Enhanced holiday pay
* Pension
* Life Assurance
* Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hospital Cash Plan
* Therapy Services
* Perk Box
* Electric Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment
* Must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
* Must be located in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
* During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and work may span multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Legal | Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting
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