Biological Safety Compliance Manager

OverviewThe Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Biological Safety Compliance Manager to join their busy HSEQ team. The HSEQ team supports the John Innes Centre (JIC), Earlham Institute (EI), Quadram Institute (QIB), The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), and the Partnership teams. This role is ideal for scientists who would like to transition from research to site-wide operational responsibilities, enabling the application of scientific expertise to safety and compliance across the partnership.The role includes:Developing and delivering biological safety training.Providing authoritative advice on biological safety and compliance (GMOs, PHL, and related regulations).Supporting new and refurbished facility start-ups and advising teams on safe research practices.The post-holder will provide expert oversight of biological safety across JIC and NGI operations, ensure compliance with GMO and Plant Health Licence (PHL) regulations, and contribute to maintaining high safety standards across projects and facilities.Key RelationshipsReports to the Head of HSEQ.Works closely with other HSEQ team members, NBIP functions including Facilities and JIC lab managers, the Field Station Manager, the NGI team, JIC Head of Business Development and team, and JIC Horticultural Services to deliver health and safety support on site.Interacts with regulatory bodies, including Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors.Main Activities & ResponsibilitiesLead, in collaboration with the HSEQ Biological Safety Adviser, biological safety oversight, risk assessments, advice, and containment evaluations across JIC laboratories, field stations, and support areas.Provide authoritative guidance on biological safety compliance, ensuring all JIC research and operational activities comply with legislation, licences, and best practice (GMOs, PHL). Advise on new technologies, risks, and regulatory updates.Ensure JIC compliance with GMO, PHL, and other regulatory frameworks, monitoring standards, addressing non-compliance, and implementing corrective actions.Plan, conduct, and report on biological safety inspections and audits, identifying gaps and implementing corrective measures.Investigate biological safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses, determining root causes, assessing risk impacts, and implementing corrective actions. Provide timely, high-quality reports to the Head of HSEQ.Perform complex and specialist biological safety risk assessments for GM, GE, and PHL work in laboratories, greenhouses, and field station.Deliver biological safety training to staff, sharing scientific knowledge and practical expertise.Advise JIC Project Leaders, staff, and site teams on mitigation strategies, best practices, and operational safety measures.Support new start-up companies and new/refurbished facilities, ensuring biological safety compliance.Collaborate with JIC Horticultural Services, Field Experimentation Stations, and HSEQ advisers/officers to maintain consistent biological safety practices.Engage with regulatory bodies (HSE, Defra), proactively providing information, updates, and evidence of compliance.Champion a culture of biological safety across the site, promoting good practice and ensuring adherence to legislation, licence conditions, and internal policies.Develop, standardise, and optimise JIC GMRA processes within the EHS system (Evotix), contributing to new compliance tools to enhance biological safety management. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post, as agreed with the line manager.Person ProfileEducation & QualificationsMSc or PhD in Biology subject (Essential)Membership of a professional body (e.g., IOSH) (Desirable)Biological Safety Practitioner (Level 1) or Biological Safety Professional (Level 2) (Desirable)NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent (Desirable)Specialist Knowledge & SkillsKnowledge and understanding of biological safety legislation and regulations, including GMO and PHL requirements (Essential)Experience in laboratory work, ideally with genetically modified organisms (Essential)Ability to use databases and spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting (Essential)Ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and research new methods (Essential)Experience with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) management systems such as Evotix (Desirable)Experience in operational start-ups or facility commissioning (Desirable)Experience investigating incidents and implementing corrective actions (Desirable)Ability to prepare policies, codes of practice, and guidance documents (Desirable)Relevant ExperienceExcellent report writing and presentation skills, engaging varied audiences and providing structured progress updates (Essential)Significant experience in scientific research (Essential)Experience providing pragmatic, solutions-oriented advice on legislation, regulations, policy, and procedures to diverse audiences (Essential)Knowledge and/or experience working at Biosafety Containment Level 2 or higher (Essential)Experience of writing risk assessments, method statements and work instructions (Desirable)Interpersonal & Communication SkillsStrong written and verbal communication skills (Essential)Ability to analyse and present quantitative and qualitative data clearly (Essential)Ability to influence and negotiate effectively to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levels (Essential)Proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions focused (Essential)Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional responsibilities (Essential)Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team (Essential)Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload effectively (Essential)Additional RequirementsAttention to detail (Essential)Promotes equality and values diversity and inclusion (Essential)Willingness to embrace the values and behaviours of the Partnership (Essential)Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally (Essential)Willingness to work outside standard hours when required (Essential)Commitment to continuous improvement in H&S and biological safety practices through regular review and updating of policies and procedures (Essential)Ability to undertake occasional national and international travel for collaborations or seminars (reasonable adjustments will be considered) (Essential)Full, clean UK driving licence (reasonable adjustments will be considered) (Essential)Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) in biological safety and related disciplines (Essential)Promotes equality and values diversity (Essential)Who We AreNBI PartnershipThe NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.Department HS & QAGroup DetailsThe Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) team provides expert guidance, oversight, and support to ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality research and operational activities across the John Innes Centre (JIC), Earlham Institute (EI), The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), and the Quadram Institute (QIB). The team helps institutes manage biological, chemical, and physical risks, maintain regulatory compliance, deliver training, support incident investigations, and implement best-practice policies and procedures.In addition, the HSEQ team supports the wider Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI) Partnership, including key functions such as Computing & Information Services, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, Library Services, and Research Grants and Contracts, ensuring that all support departments operate safely, efficiently, and in line with legal and ethical standards.Living in NorfolkVisit NorfolkSchools in NorfolkChildcare in Norfolk #J-18808-Ljbffr