Biological Safety Officer (BSO) | High-Containment Research Environment | Oxford
BioTalent are partnered with a large, fast-growing scientific research organisation in Oxford that is expanding its laboratory footprint across biological, genetic, and chemical research.
This is not a compliance-only role.
This is a senior, lab-facing biosafety position where you will work directly with researchers across containment level 1–3 environments, supporting complex work with GMOs, human biological materials, and plant pathogens.
You will be the person scientists go to when they need to understand how to run experiments safely and properly.
The Role
You will act as the lead biosafety expert on-site, owning how biosafety is applied across a multi-disciplinary research environment. This is a hands-on role where you will:
* Spend time in laboratories, not just reviewing paperwork
* Work directly with scientists to guide and challenge decisions
* Build and maintain biosafety systems as the organisation scales
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
* Advising on biosafety for GMOs, human material, plant pathogens, and transgenic systems
* Reviewing and approving biological risk assessments and experimental protocols
* Supporting work across containment levels 1–3
* Leading lab inspections, audits, and real-time safety interventions
* Overseeing biological waste, decontamination, and biosecurity processes
* Investigating incidents and driving practical, implementable improvements
* Delivering training that is relevant to scientists, not generic
* Ensuring the organisation is always inspection-ready and compliant
What We’re Looking For
You’ve likely worked as a:
* Biological Safety Officer
* Biosafety Advisor
* Laboratory Safety Lead
* EHS Specialist in a research-heavy environment
More importantly:
* You are comfortable operating inside laboratories and engaging directly with scientists
* You understand UK biosafety regulations, containment, and GMO frameworks
* You’ve worked with regulated biological materials and complex lab environments
* You are confident enough to challenge unsafe practices and influence behaviour
This is not a passive role. You need to be visible, credible, and hands-on.
Why This Role
* High visibility role with real ownership
* Opportunity to shape biosafety in a growing research environment
* Exposure to a wide range of biological systems and technologies
* Strong, well-funded organisation with long-term plans
Location
Oxford, with strong on-site presence required.
Candidates must be able to commute or relocate. UK right to work required.