Environmental, Health & Safety Officer

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A research and development institute located in Oxford is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health and Safety Officer. The role involves ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations within a pharmaceutical facility. Candidates should have significant experience in health and safety leadership and a qualification in Occupational Health and Safety. This position offers a salary between £45,000 - £55,000 and various benefits including enhanced holiday pay and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Private Medical Insurance

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a health and safety leadership role within regulated industries.
• Familiarity with GxP standards and regulatory frameworks would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain health and safety policies in line with UK legislation.
• Support health and safety risk assessments across all departments.
• Lead EHS training and development programs for employees.

Skills

Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation

Experience of Biosafety/GM regulations

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Qualification in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent

Job description

Description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and artificial intelligence & robotics.

EIT is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

Are you a proactive health and safety professional ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, regulated environment? We’re seeking an experienced Environmental, Health and Safety Officer to play a key role in enhancing and leading Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) functions at our cutting-edge pharmaceutical and biotechnology facility.

In this role, you’ll work collaboratively across departments, from R&D and manufacturing to QA and facilities, to embed a robust culture of safety and continuous improvement. You'll bring a hands-on, solutions-driven approach and act as a strong communicator and influencer to help foster compliance and operational excellence. With a sharp analytical mind and the ability to juggle multiple priorities, you’ll ensure our people, processes, and projects are aligned with UK legislation and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain site-wide health and safety policies in line with UK legislation and industry best practice (e.g. HSE, COSHH, MHRA, COMAH).
• Support health and safety risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations across all departments including labs, production, R&D, and facilities.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant regulations, including but not limited to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Collaborate closely with QA, Facilities, Manufacturing, R&D, and HR to embed safety into all business operations and projects.
• Lead EHS training and development programs for employees and contractors, ensuring appropriate induction and refresher courses are conducted.
• Support the management of biological, chemical, radiological, and ergonomic hazards commonly encountered in pharmaceutical and biotech operations.
• Maintain and report on KPIs related to safety performance, regulatory compliance, and incident management.
• Support in representing the company in external audits and inspections (e.g. HSE, MHRA, Environment Agency).
• Support the sustainability and environmental initiatives where relevant (e.g. waste management, energy efficiency, environmental permits).

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualification in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent (essential)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a health and safety leadership role within pharmaceutical, biotech, or related regulated industries
• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and risk management practices in laboratory and manufacturing environments
• Experience of Biosafety/GM regulations
• Capability and flexibility to work in a fast paced environment where no two days are the same

Desirable Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Familiarity with GxP standards and regulatory frameworks (MHRA, EMA, FDA)
• Experience in environmental compliance or sustainability programs

Benefits

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 + bonus + travel allowance
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
• This position is full time, permanent and will be fully office based (Monday – Friday onsite).