Occupational Health Senior Specialist Advisor

View Vacancy -- Health and Safety Advisor (Fire and Facilities Specialist) - Operations - Health and Safety - LMB 2385
Research Institute 1 MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. Research Institute / Unit Information 1 The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.
There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.
Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at
Contract Type 1 Permanent
Job Type 1 Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time / Part Time 1 Full or Part Time options
The aim of this post is to assist the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) Head of Health and Safety in providing a high level of competent advice to the Director of the LMB. You will support cutting-edge science by monitoring and advising on health, safety and regulatory compliance issues, specifically working with LMB members and other stakeholders. The function of the role is to ensure the safe working environment at Ares, MRS and the main LMB building.
It is essential that all members of the Health and Safety Department have the competence and flexibility to support the wider departmental function. In order to achieve this, Safety Advisors will be expected to work as both generalist and specialist advisors, leading on one of four key topic areas. 
To provide highly competent Health and Safety advice to a wide range of key stakeholders on a wide range of topics.
• To create and sustain productive relationships with the research staff and use a pragmatic approach to health and safety, whilst ensuring standards and supporting research.
• To work with the Head of Health and Safety to devise and deliver the H&S strategy. To champion and represent the Health and Safety Department and the Head of Health and Safety, as directed, including attending relevant meetings.
• To liaise with external regulatory bodies on behalf of the Head of Health and Safety and to ensure any actions are dealt with in a timely manner.
• To apply superior problem solving skills to complex matters, taking into account previous experience and knowledge.
• To conduct and lead (in collaboration with others) on health and safety inspections, audits and evaluate working practices.
• To be empowered by the Director, through the Head of Health and Safety to deal with issues of breaches of compliance and imminent danger (to life and/or property).
• To take into consideration underlying MRC and UKRI policy requirements and their application.
To act as the lead Advisor on Fire and Facilities:
• To apply and interpret specialist knowledge in order to give advice in line with relevant legislation, taking into account a range of influencing factors such as business need, legislative requirements and user needs. 
• To lead on the production of health and safety policies, procedures, guidance notes and documentation and to negotiate and oversee their introduction and implementation, as part of the process of continual improvement. This will include contributing information and guidance for the Health and Safety webpages and setting strategic direction (in consultation with the Head of Health and Safety) for the specific topic areas.
• To remain abreast of current and emerging technical and professional aspects of health and safety to maintain an appropriate level of personal awareness and knowledge.
• To provide verbal and written reports of assurance to senior management, as required, which are tailored to the audience, allowing for a wide distribution.
• To determine and manage a programme (with support from the Head of Health and Safety) of methods for continual improvement within the primary topic area.
• To ensure compliance with specific reporting and record keeping requirements in relation to statutory and regulatory requirements. 
• To establish and maintain Health and Safety systems of assurance and compliance for specialist topic area.
• To work collaboratively to ensure any risks are appropriately controlled.
• To undertake risk assessments or advise other assessors.
You will report to the Head of Health and Safety. You will work alongside members of the Health and Safety team, research staff, other infrastructure groups (particularly Estates and Facilities and Lab Services), external statutory and other organisations.
Person Specification 1 Education / qualifications / training required: 
NEBOSH Level 3 General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification eg NEBOSH General Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management or Construction Health and Safety.
• Technical membership of an appropriate professional body eg Health and Safety and/or fire safety.
• NEBOSH Level 4 National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification or experience or working towards completion.

Previous work experience required: 
Experience of Health and Safety/fire safety management systems.
• Experience of working within a Health and Safety/fire safety role at an organisational level including experience within an academic or research environment.
• Experience of accident/incident investigation and root-cause analysis.
• Experience of developing and delivering Health and Safety training.
Experience of managing regulatory compliance visits and inspections.
• A strong understanding of fire safety and Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
• Knowledge and previous experience of carrying out building fire risk assessments and dealing with actions and recommendations arising from such assessments.
• A good understanding of facilities-related safety issues e.g. legionella control and the risks associated with building maintenance work e.g. working at height, lone/out-of-hours working.
• Knowledge of common laboratory hazards as they relate to fire safety/facilities safety.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 
Ability to organise own time effectively with a flexible approach, undertaking multiple tasks whilst prioritising according to their need.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong presentation and teaching skills and an ability to promote a Health and Safety culture. 
• Demonstrable commitment to continual professional development.
Further Information 1 Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy
The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Medical Research Council
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