Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The post holder 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.
The post holder will monitor compliance, and address biosafety related impact related to laboratories and operational activities. The post holder will interpret external specialist advise including information from regulatory bodies and makes suitable recommendations to the Institutes to effectively implement advice. The role will also provide regular support to the Biological Safety Officers in TSL and QIB.
The post holder 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 reviewing guidance, policies, risk assessments etc.
The post holder will be expected to 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. Support could be provided by the HSEQ to provide training / support to achieve quality management qualification.
The post holder 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 polices, review, and authorises procedures and risk assessments and prepares and delivers mandatory and bespoke training.
The successful candidate must be self-motivated, enjoy working in a team and be a role model. They will promote and encourage a healthy and safe working environment, in line with legislation and best practice. This role requires both formal and informal leadership and influencing skills and training support may be provided to develop the quality management side of the role.
Key Relationships
The position will report to the Head of HSEQ. The post holder will work closely with the other HSEQ members, NBIP functions including Facilities, EI, JIC, TSL and QIB lab managers, NGI team where required to contribute to the delivery of an outstanding H&S support on site.
The post holder is also expected to interact with regulatory bodies such as Health and Safety Executive Inspectors and Quality Assurance Assessors / auditors for surveillance and re-certification activities, DEFRA.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
PercentageProvide authoritative guidance on biological safety and general Health and Safety compliance in laboratories and support areas. Provide advice on new and emerging technologies and legislation e.g. The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014, Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2002 etc. communicating updates, advice and new guidance to Institutes Lab managers and Partnership.30Work with the HSEQ H&S Advisor / Biological Safety Officer to monitor compliance and address biological safety impact related to laboratories and operational activities. Provide regular support to TSL and QIB Biological Safety Officers.20Manage the planning and ensure smooth delivery of HSEQ inspections and audits on site. Plan, conduct and report on Quality Management activities to ensure ISO9001:2015 compliance for QIB and EI, and compliance with the Joint Code of Practice for Research at JIC, TSL and QIB. Ensure the Quality Management system documentation is reviewed regularly and up to date. 10Review and update Health and Safety Management Systems documentation. Provide general health and safety support to the Institutes and Partnership by preparing, reviewing and updating health and safety documentation; providing advice and guidance on health and safety and biological safety matters and respond to emergency incidents when required.10Perform complex and specialist risk assessments such as COSHH, new and expectant mothers, DSE and provide ergonomic advice for office and lab workstations. 5Deliver general health and safety and biological safety training course.5Support HSEQ Health and Safety Advisor/ Chemical Safety Officer with regards to Hazardous waste management on site and HSEQ team when required.5Work closely with the Energy and Sustainability manager in Facilities team with regards to regulatory permissions (EA) and consents (Anglian Water); negotiation of hazardous waste contracts; waste exemption applications and reporting environmental data.5Support HSEQ Health and Safety Advisor/ Chemical Safety Officer with regards to Hazardous waste management on site and HSEQ team when required.5Provide support to the Head of HSEQ in relation to the New Generation Infrastructure (NGI) project when required.5Investigate accident, incident and near miss and use initiative and effective decision making to determine actions. Provide in a timely manner a high-quality report to the head of HSEQ.5As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportanceBSc, MSc or PhD in Biology subjectEssentialNEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalentDesirableMembership of a professional body e.g. Institute of Occupational Safety & HealthDesirableDiploma in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalentDesirableQuality Assurance qualification from an accredited body or equivalent experienceDesirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceKnowledge and understanding of H&S and Biological safety legislation and regulationsEssentialPrevious laboratory work experience ideally with genetically modified organismsEssentialUnderstanding of quality management systems (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001) and interpreting ISO standardsEssentialUnderstands quality management inspections and auditsEssentialExperience of using databases and/or spreadsheets, data analysis and ability to use data to produce meaningful reportsEssentialAbility to work independently and make independent decisionsEssentialAbility to research new work, gather information and make recommendationsEssentialAbility to prepare policies and codes of practiceDesirable
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceExperience in working in health and safety for scientific researchEssentialKnowledge and/or experience of working at Biosafety Containment Level 2 and 3EssentialExperience of providing pragmatic, solutions orientated advice on legislation, regulations, policy and procedures to a wide audienceEssentialExcellent report writing and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively engage varied audiences and to provide structured progress updatesEssentialExperience of writing risk assessments, method statements and work instructionsDesirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceGood communication skills, both written and verbalEssentialAbility to analyse and clearly present both quantitative and qualitative dataEssentialStrong interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate, effectively influence outcomes to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levelsEssentialAbility to communicate effectively at all levels of an organisationEssentialAbility to work independently or pro-activelyEssentialEnthusiastic and pro-active approach to task completion and problem solvingEssentialA willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional tasks when neededEssentialCapable of prioritising tasks and managing workload effectivelyEssential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workEssentialAble to present a positive image of self and the Partnership, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the PartnershipEssentialAble to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally including maintaining information secured where relevantEssentialWillingness to work outside standard working hours when requiredEssentialPromote continuous improvement in HSE practices and performance through regular review and updating of policies and proceduresEssentialAbility to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminarsEssential
Who We Are
NBI Partnership
The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.
The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.
Department
HS & QA
Group Details
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.
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