The Head of Health and Biological Safety will be responsible for ensuring the safety of staff, students, visitors, and contractors by leading the development, implementation, and monitoring of LSTM’s health, safety, and biological management systems. The role will work closely with Senior Managers and Principal Investigators to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and guidelines.
This position involves overseeing the Health and Safety team, including the Health and Travel Safety Manager, Health and Safety Advisor, Health and Safety Administrator, and external consultants. As the key advisor on biological safety, the post holder will provide expert guidance on the safe use of biological agents and genetically modified organisms, ensuring compliance with regulations such as COSHH, GMO Regulations, ACDP guidelines, SAPO Regulations, and the Transport of Infectious Substances Regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Strategic Management: Provide expert health and safety advice, enhance operational resilience, develop and review standards and policies, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and act as the primary contact for regulatory bodies and reportable incidents.
* Compliance and Risk: Ensure best practices for LSTM’s legal health and safety obligations, promote a culture of compliance and risk management, develop standards and policies with stakeholders, and maintain necessary authorizations, licenses, and legal records.
* Strategic Planning: Ensure quality assurance of health and safety functions, support the LSTM Incident Management Plan, provide expert advice during incidents, and enhance emergency arrangements for laboratories handling hazardous biological materials with the Containment Level 3 Manager.
* Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Develop and manage a comprehensive health and safety inspection and auditing system, ensuring clarity between inspection and audit processes, and monitor performance using the USHA HASMAP system and elements of the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard.
* Training and Facilitation: Develop health and safety training strategies with HR, focusing on GMOs, pathogens, and biological materials; deliver biological safety training; ensure compliance with external agencies; support global hubs in health and safety improvements; maintain staff communications; and advise on occupational health issues.
* Reports and Data: Provide regular reports on strategic health and safety activities, including metrics, KPIs, and benchmarking data; serve as a strategic expert on the H&S Committee and Biological Safety Committee; and ensure compliance with funder requirements, legal obligations, and regulatory standards.
* Networking: Actively participate in professional networks (e.g., USHA, ISTR), and lead collaborations with other higher education institutions and USHA for benchmarking and exchange audit programs.
Qualifications and Skills:
* Educational Background: Degree (BSc) in a relevant biological subject or equivalent; Level 5 and above Health and Safety Qualification (e.g., City and Guilds or NEBOSH Diploma).
Experience:
* Health and Safety audit experience.
* Training in pathogen handling and/or genetic modification techniques.
* Experience in biosafety and safety management within laboratories.
* Excellent knowledge of the regulatory framework.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (email, spreadsheets, databases).
* Experience in managing and leading teams.
* Experience in delivering training.
* Proven experience in auditing and inspection management.
* Experience in incident/accident investigation and trend analysis.
In Return We Offer:
* 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and additional Christmas closure days.
* Generous occupational pension schemes.
* Government-backed “cycle to work” scheme.
* Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre.
* A host of additional family-friendly policies.
Application Process:
To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter via the apply link. Given the volume of applications, we may close vacancies early, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.
Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith, social background, age, or disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. We welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements or returning to employment after a career break.
About LSTM:
Founded in 1898, LSTM is an internationally recognized leader in teaching and research in tropical diseases. LSTM aims to improve global health, particularly for people in under-resourced areas of the tropics and sub-tropics. We actively promote equal opportunities and safeguarding policies.
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