Laboratory Safety Officer - Generative Biology Institute

Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic research institution in Oxford is seeking a Laboratory Safety Officer. This role ensures the safe and compliant operation of laboratories by maintaining health and safety procedures, conducting risk assessments, and promoting a proactive safety culture. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Life Sciences or related field and have in-depth knowledge of laboratory safety regulations. This position offers a collaborative work environment and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Experience supporting safety operations involving synthetic biology or hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain health and safety policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety audits.
• Manage biological, chemical, and radiological hazards.

Skills

Laboratory health and safety requirements

Communication skills

Risk assessments

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, or related field

Job description

Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity's most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford's science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose-built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting‑edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity's enduring challenges.

GBI is seeking a Laboratory Safety Officer to support the safe and compliant operation of its laboratories. Reporting to the Head of Laboratory Operations and working closely with the central EIT Head of Health & Safety, the role ensures regulatory compliance, maintains health and safety procedures, and supports evolving research activities. The Laboratory Safety Officer will also contribute to the central EH&S Committee, promoting best practices and cross‑site collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist in developing and to implement and maintain GBI's health and safety policies in line with standards across UK legislation and industry best practices (e.g. HSE, COSHH, COMAH), ensuring a safe working environment.
• To ensure full compliance with relevant regulations for GBI, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and other applicable regulatory frameworks.
• To conduct or support risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations as required, driving continual improvement in health and safety performance.
• To ensure proper documentation of processes, workflows, and sample handling procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• To review and provide input on experimental protocols where required, ensuring alignment with biosafety and regulatory standards.
• To coordinate and deliver health and safety training programmes for all GBI laboratory personnel.
• To identify and manage biological, chemical and radiological hazards, ensuring appropriate control measures are in place across GBI's operations.
• To manage safety infrastructure and equipment, including PPE, emergency systems, waste disposal, and lab‑specific containment and ventilation requirements.
• To support preparation for external audits and inspections, including those by the HSE, ensuring readiness and accurate record‑keeping.
• To promote a proactive safety culture by working closely with researchers and technical staff to reinforce best practices and continuous improvement.
• To recruit, train, and support staff in best practices for laboratory safety, providing guidance on risk management, emergency procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with EIT Health & Safety teams to align on approaches for health and safety.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A degree in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, or a related field, with hands‑on laboratory experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of laboratory health and safety requirements, with direct experience supporting safety operations in environments involving synthetic biology, hazardous chemicals, or biohazardous materials.

Strong technical expertise in

• Chemical, biological, and radiation safety regulations.
• Risk assessments, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), and laboratory hazard control measures.
• Experience in safety audits and/or regulatory inspections (preferred).
• Ability to drive continuous improvements in health and safety, aligning safety initiatives with the evolving needs of a cutting‑edge research environment.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and technical staff across GBI, ensuring alignment with experimental requirements.

Benefits

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical 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.