Biosafety Officer for Clinical Research | Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Cambridge is seeking a Biological Safety Officer to provide expert biosafety advice in the field of clinical research. This role requires strong expertise in virology or microbiology and aims to innovate biosafety practices across clinical trials. You will be key in managing containment facilities and leading on compliance with national regulatory standards. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of clinical research and patient care.

Benefits

Development opportunities

On-site leisure facilities

Reduced-cost travel

Flexible working arrangements

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Expertise in virology/microbiology or related sciences.
• Experience in managing biosafety for clinical research.
• Strong knowledge of national biosafety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert biosafety advice for clinical research.
• Oversee operations of containment facilities.
• Develop a biological safety management system.
• Lead audits and investigations of biosafety incidents.
• Deliver training on biosafety to staff.

Skills

Virology

Microbiology

Biosafety management

Regulatory compliance

Training delivery

Education

Relevant scientific degree

Job description

Are you ready to shape the future of advanced therapies in the UK? CUH is seeking a dynamic Biological Safety Officer for Clinical Research to drive innovation and excellence in biosafety across a thriving portfolio of over 1,000 clinical research studies—including cutting‑edge ATMPs and GMOs.

You’ll be at the heart of the Cambridge Clinical Research Centre (CCRC) and play a national role through the Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre (ATTC) network. This is your chance to lead, influence, and collaborate across disciplines.

We’re looking for a subject‑matter expert in virology/microbiology or related sciences with a passion for safe, innovative science. If you thrive in complex environments and want to make a real impact on patient care and research, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert biosafety advice for clinical research at CUH, focusing on ATMPs and GMOs.
• Oversee and advise on operations of CL1, CL2, and CL3 containment facilities locally and nationally.
• Accelerate clinical trial setup by improving biosafety risk assessments in line with national 150‑day targets.
• Develop and implement a robust biological safety management system.
• Lead audits, inspections, and investigations of biosafety incidents; assign and support risk mitigation actions.
• Liaise with regulators (e.g., HSE) and lead on GMO submissions and compliance.
• Collaborate with national partners (via the ATTC) to standardise GMO risk assessments and share best practices.
• Deliver training and guidance on biosafety to staff across all levels and departments.
• Participate in key governance groups, including the Biological & GMO Committee, ATMPs Committee, and Scientific Advisory Board.

About the Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1,100 beds, the Trust focuses on providing quality service centred on people—patients, staff, and partners. Recognised for outstanding care and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, CUH values safety, kindness, and excellence.

Diversity & Inclusion

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage individuals of all ages, disabilities, ethnicities, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, marital statuses, and socio‑economic backgrounds.

Strategic Leadership

• Drive the development and implementation of a national standardised GMO risk assessment in collaboration with the ATTC and UKCRF Network.
• Lead the creation of a comprehensive biological safety programme aligned with national regulations and strategic goals.
• Contribute to national efforts to accelerate clinical trial setup (150‑day target) through improved biosafety risk assessment.
• Promote best practices, innovative pathways, and shared care models across research sites.

Clinical & Operational Management

• Oversee biosafety operations in CL1–CL3 facilities; lead audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and lead submissions to the HSE for GMO use.
• Manage a team to deliver high‑quality biosafety services, ensuring resource allocation and performance targets are met.
• Support benefit‑risk assessments, patient/public involvement, and safety communications.
• Serve as the principal advisor on biosafety infrastructure, emergency response, and containment procedures.
• Represent CUH and CCRC on internal and national committees.

Education & Training

• Lead biosafety training programmes for staff and students at CUH and across the ATTC network.
• Support the development of national biosafety roles and responsibilities guidance.
• Present at conferences and contribute to outreach and educational initiatives.
• Review research proposals involving biohazards and provide expert guidance on safe practices.

Application Information

Please review the attached applicant information pack for key duties and responsibilities. For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, priority will be given to applicants identified as at risk of redundancy.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 23rd November 2025. Interviews are scheduled for 17th December 2025.

Benefits & Working Environment

• Development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
• On‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, and day nurseries.
• Reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel and subsidised parking.
• On‑campus 24/7 hot food at a reduced cost.
• Flexible arrangements including part‑time, job share, and flexible start/finish times.
• Support for good work‑life balance and a supportive culture.
• Additional benefits include staff pod break spaces, free tea/coffee, and a colleague‑only café.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces and all applicants irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status.

This advert closes on Sunday, 23 November 2025.