At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we're on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, policy makers, and entrepreneurs to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four transformative areas:
* Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
* Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
* Climate Change & Managing CO₂
* Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
This is ambitious work - work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you'll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society. Explore more at
Your Role:
EIT is seeking a qualified and experienced Biological Safety Officer (BSO) to lead and manage the biosafety programs within EIT. The BSO will play a critical role in ensuring safe, ethical, and compliant handling of all biological agents and materials in accordance with national and international regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop, implement, and maintain the organisation's biosafety policies and procedures across all departments.
* Oversee biosafety compliance in research and operational activities involving:
* Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
* Human biological materials (tissues, cells, blood, etc.)
* Plant pathogens and transgenic plants
* Serve as the primary contact and advisor on biosafety matters for all staff and researchers.
* Conduct biosafety risk assessments and approve protocols.
* Develop and deliver training programs for employees on biosafety, waste management, PPE, and emergency procedures
* Investigate and report incidents, exposures, or near misses involving biological agents
* Maintain accurate documentation and records of biosafety practices, audits, and training.
* Oversee biological waste disposal, decontamination procedures, and laboratory inspections
Requirements
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
* Strong experience in Microbiology, Biology, Plants, Environmental Health, Public Health, or related field.
* Experience within a scientific or laboratory environment.
* 5+ years of experience in biosafety, preferably in a research or biotechnology environment involving multi-species or interdisciplinary biological work.
* Certification as Biological Safety Professional
* In-depth knowledge of biosafety regulations and standards.
* Strong understanding of Containment level 1-3, autoclaving, disinfection, and biosecurity principles.
* Excellent communication, training, and organisational skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
* Ability to multitask, manage complex tasks, and keep detailed records and reports across different sites.
* Flexibility to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage a variety of tasks across sites.
* Collaborative and works well with cross-functional teams, including site managers, senior leadership, and external contractors.
Benefits
Our Benefits:
* Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum (depending on experience) + travel allowance + bonus
* Enhanced holiday pay
* Pension
* Life Assurance
* Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hospital Cash Plan
* Therapy Services
* Perk Box
* Electric Car Scheme
Working Together - What It Involves:
* You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
* You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
* During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
* We can consider candidates both full time and part time, fully onsite and hybrid for this particular position.