DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY OFFICER

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking a dedicated Departmental Safety Officer to oversee health and safety across its Oncology Department. This full-time, 1-year fixed-term role calls for a candidate with a degree in a scientific subject and significant laboratory health and safety experience. Responsibilities include managing safety compliance and conducting risk assessments while providing expert guidance to staff. The position offers a variety of employee benefits, underscoring the university's commitment to employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket loans

Membership to social and sports clubs

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in life sciences or biocontainment laboratories.
• Expertise in health and safety legislation.
• Familiarity with Human Tissue Act and radiation safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage health and safety matters across the Oncology Department.
• Conduct inspections, risk assessments, and ensure compliance.
• Liaise with the Division and external agencies on safety matters.

Skills

Health and Safety Compliance

Laboratory Safety Management

Biological Sciences Knowledge

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in a scientific or technical subject

Tools

Coruson

iPassport

Job description

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We are seeking

a dedicated and proactive Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) to lead and manage all health and safety matters across the Oncology Department, part of the Medical Sciences Division. This pivotal role will suit someone with a strong biological sciences background and significant health and safety experience in a laboratory environment.You will be a core member of the Oncology Facilities Team, working closely with the Building and Facilities Manager (BFM), whom you will deputise for as required. Your responsibilities will include overseeing safety compliance, conducting inspections and risk assessments, investigating incidents, maintaining key safety documentation, and leading on laboratory and building safety. You will also liaise regularly with the Division, Central University bodies, and external agencies on health and safety matters. This is a full-time, 1-year fixed term role and offers an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to lead on strategic and operational safety initiatives in a complex, research-intensive environment. An early start date would be preferential for this role. About you You will hold a degree (or equivalent vocational qualification) in a scientific or technical subject, alongside substantial experience working in life sciences or biocontainment laboratories. A deep knowledge of current health and safety legislation and practical experience working in Biosafety Containment Level 2 environments is essential.You will be confident in providing expert advice and guidance on safety procedures, and able to engage sensitively and effectively with researchers and staff at all levels. You will be a strong communicator with excellent organisational and time-management skills, able to work independently as well as collaboratively.A sound understanding of the Human Tissue Act and radiation safety is required, and familiarity with relevant safety platforms such as Coruson or iPassport would be advantageous. A formal health and safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH) or membership of a professional body is desirable. What we offer As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits we offer, including: • An excellent contributory pension scheme• 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)• A comprehensive range of childcare services• Family leave schemes• Cycle loan scheme• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs Application process Applications must be submitted online.