Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor
Job Title: Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor
Post Number: 1004863
Closing Date: 16 Apr 2025
Grade: SC5
Starting Salary: £44,500-£49,300
Hours per week: 37
Months Duration: Indefinite
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The main duties of the job are to lead on the planning and delivery of health and safety inspections and audits (including biological safety) working collaboratively with the HSEQ colleagues in Institutes stakeholders.
The post holder will plan, conduct and report on internal Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015) for the relevant Institutes assessing if the systems in place continue to meet its objectives and identify improvements if appropriate. The post holder is expected to provide authoritative advice on biological safety, 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 (HSE) 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 advice 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.
Finally, they will provide authoritative advice on general health and safety compliance in laboratories and support areas.
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
1. Manage the planning and ensure smooth delivery of HSEQ inspections and audits on site.
2. 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.
3. Ensure the Quality Management system documentation is reviewed regularly and up to date.
4. Provide authoritative guidance on biological safety and general Health and Safety compliance in laboratories and support areas.
5. 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.
6. Work with the HSEQ H&S Advisor/Biological Safety Officer to monitor compliance and address biological safety impact related to laboratories and operational activities.
7. Review and update Health and Safety Management Systems documentation.
8. 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.
9. Perform complex and specialist risk assessments such as COSHH, new and expectant mothers, DSE and provide ergonomic advice for office and lab workstations.
10. Deliver general health and safety and biological safety training course.
11. Work 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.
12. Support HSEQ Health and Safety Advisor/Chemical Safety Officer with regards to Hazardous waste management on site and HSEQ team when required.
13. Provide support to the Head of HSEQ in relation to the New Generation Infrastructure (NGI) project when required.
14. Investigate 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.
15. Interact regulatory bodies where appropriate, e.g. HSE, DEFRA.
16. As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance
BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology subject. Essential
NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent. Essential
Membership of a professional body e.g. Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. Desirable
Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent. Desirable
Quality Assurance qualification from an accredited body or through experience. Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance
Experienced in managing and implementing Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001) and interpreting ISO standards. Essential
Experienced in Quality Assurance inspections and audits. Essential
Knowledge and understanding of H&S and Biological safety legislation and regulations. Essential
Experience of using databases and/or spreadsheets, data analysis and ability to use data to produce meaningful reports. Essential
Ability to work independently and make independent decisions. Essential
Ability to research new work, gather information and make recommendations. Essential
Ability to prepare policies and codes of practice. Desirable
Requirement Importance
Experience in working in health and safety for scientific research. Essential
Knowledge and/or experience of working at Biosafety Containment Level 2 and 3. Essential
Experience of providing pragmatic, solutions orientated advice on legislation, regulations, policy and procedures to a wide audience. Essential
Excellent report writing and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively engage varied audiences and to provide structured progress updates. Essential
Experience of writing risk assessments, method statements and work instructions. Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance
Good communication skills, both written and verbal Essential
Ability to analyse and clearly present both quantitative and qualitative data. Essential
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate, effectively influence outcomes to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levels. Essential
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation. Essential
Ability to work independently or pro-actively. Essential
Enthusiastic and pro-active approach to task completion and problem solving. Essential
A willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional tasks when needed. Essential
Capable of prioritising tasks and managing workload effectively. Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance
Attention to detail Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work. Essential
Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Partnership. Essential
Able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally including maintaining information secured where relevant. Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required. Essential
Promote continuous improvement in HSE practices and performance through regular review and updating of policies and procedures. Essential
Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars. Essential
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.
The Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Assurance (HSEQA) team provides support to the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Quadram Institute. HSEQA also provides support to the NBI Partnership, comprised of several support departments: Computing & Information Services, Research Computing, Facilities, HSEQA, Finance and Purchasing, Human Resources, Library and Information Services and Research Grants and Contracts.
Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor to join their busy Health and Safety, Environment and Quality team.
Background:
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing.
The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.
Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team. In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.
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.
The role:
The Quality Manager and Biological Safety Advisor 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 review guidance, policies, risk assessments etc. You will specifically 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.
You 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 policies, review, and authorises procedures and risk assessments and prepares and delivers mandatory and bespoke training.
The successful candidate 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.
You will monitor compliance, and address biosafety related impact related to laboratories and operational activities. The post holder will interpret external specialist advice including information from regulatory bodies and makes suitable recommendations to the Institutes to effectively implement advice and provide regular support to the Biological Safety Officers in TSL and QIB.
The ideal candidate:
The successful candidate will have a BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology subject. They will have experience in managing and implementing Quality Management Systems and interpreting ISO standards. You will have experience of working in research institutes or universities providing biological advice and have a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent. The post holder will provide authoritative advice on general health and safety compliance in laboratories and support areas.
The candidate should have ability to prepare and review risk assessments, method statements and standard operating procedures. The candidate will have good knowledge and experience of working safely with hazardous materials in laboratory environments and experience in conducting workplace inspections and checks.
The successful candidate must be self-motivated with the ability to work well in a team by promoting and encouraging a healthy and safe working environment in line with legislation and best practice.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £44,500 to £49,300 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post offered on an indefinite basis.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.
The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.
The closing date for applications will be 16 April 2025
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