Job Description

Job Advert


The Babraham Institute is seeking a proactive, knowledgeable and experienced Deputy Head of Health and Safety to play a key role in ensuring a safe, compliant and high-quality working environment across our internationally renowned life sciences research community. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team contributing to the strategic, sustainable management and continuous improvement of health, safety, and welfare across the Institute.



Working closely with the Head of Health and Safety, the postholder will play a central role in shaping, implementing and promoting the Institute's health, safety and wellbeing strategy. They will provide expert advice and both practical and strategic support to ensure compliance with legislation, embed sustainable best practice and promote a positive, proactive safety culture across all areas of the Institute's diverse scientific and support operations.



This is a hands-on and wide-ranging position covering the full breadth of health and safety provision and sustainable management, including (for example) biosafety and genetic modification, chemical and radiation safety, fire safety, hazardous waste, liquid nitrogen safety, Quality Assurance of Research (QAR) and related environmental sustainability. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor to staff at all levels, supporting risk management, incident response and regulatory inspections, while also driving initiatives that enhance safety performance, staff engagement and environmentally responsible practice.


As Deputy Biosafety Officer, the postholder will contribute to biosafety oversight and compliance across the Institute, supporting containment laboratory operations and liaising with regulatory bodies such as the HSE and Environment Agency. The role also involves delivering and developing training, policies and procedures, and supporting safety and research integrity audits to ensure consistent, high-quality standards across laboratory and non-laboratory environments.



The ideal candidate will hold a degree (or higher) in a biological science or related field, along with a NEBOSH Certificate (or equivalent qualification). They will have substantial experience in health and safety within a research or scientific environment, ideally with exposure to biological, chemical and radiation safety, and a strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and its application in laboratory-based settings. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.



This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and knowledgeable professional to develop their career in a dynamic and collaborative research setting, supporting the Institute's mission to deliver world-leading science that advances human health and wellbeing within a safe, sustainable and enabling environment.



A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.



Informal enquiries can be addressed toDr Priya Schoenfelder at priya.schoenfelder@babraham.ac.uk



The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community, which includes the BSU, Scientific Facilities, Computing, Stores & Purchasing, Technical Services, Health & Safety and the Research Assistant communities.



Closing date for applications is Thursday, 30th October 2025.


However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.



The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute's ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government's Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.