Institute Biological Safety Officer

The Pirbright institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

Health Safety & Biosafety (HSBS) plays a pivotal role at Pirbright, providing outstanding levels of service and support, and exacting professional standards of work, in support of the research, diagnostic services and operations of the Institute.

The role of Biological Safety Officer (BSO) is critical to provide Pirbright with the expert professional support necessary to comply with biosafety and biosecurity requirements under health & safety law and related legislation, to maintain legal authority to operate as a Major Accident Hazard Site under its Specified Animal Pathogens Order (SAPO) licence, and to facilitate control and mitigation of the high consequence Biorisk arising from its work.

Main duties and responsibility

Lead coordination of compliance with all legislation applicable to management of Pirbright’s biosafety and biosecurity, including:

• High consequence viral animal pathogens under Pirbright’s licence under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008 (SAPO).
• Human health risks from viral zoonotic agents under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, as applicable to biological agents.
• Human and environmental risks from genetically modified organisms under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014.
• And any other legislation relevant to the containment and control of Biorisk, including regulations on safe and secure transport of biological agents, and export control legislation as it applies to biological materials.
• To act as primary point of contact for HSE and other relevant regulatory authorities on Biorisk compliance, including for the SAPO licence and the annual HSE Major Hazard Intervention Plan issued under that licence, and to host all HSE visits and interactions in relation to SAPO, the Intervention Plan and containment and control of Biorisk.
• To provide support to site Security on management of requirements for biological agents under Schedule 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Crime & Security Act 2001.

Lead development and implementation of Biorisk management by Pirbright, including:

• Arrangements and processes for suitable and sufficient assessment of Biorisk.
• Mechanisms to ensure that operational controls to eliminate, reduce or mitigate Biorisk are fully implemented and effective, including procedures to monitor such controls, such as Safety Performance Indicators.
• Frameworks to foster and ensure user competence, including training provision.

Be the lead expert on Biorisk management within Pirbright, and be (or develop to become) one of the leading experts in the high bio-containment sector, including:

• Develop and apply best practice in the management and control of Biorisk at Pirbright.
• Act as the key source of biosafety assistance and incident management for the Institute, both in working hours and out-of-hours, subject to an agreed allowance for the latter.
• Provide timely and reliable expert advice and guidance on Biorisk to all stakeholders, including assistance with preparation of risk assessments.
• Identify Institute Biorisk training needs and develop and deliver training for those needs.
• Contribute and support, as needed, on Biorisk aspects of site development, such as commissioning of the new Brooksby high containment large animal facility and the under construction Centre of Veterinary Vaccine Innovation & Manufacturing.
• Work to become a Registered Biorisk Specialist (RBS) in the RSB / BSLG Biorisk Professional Registration Scheme (BPRS).
• Assist Pirbright Training with development and delivery of training for the bioeconomy sector in support of BPRS.
• Contribute to external collaborations and projects on Biorisk, including (but not limited to) representing the UK on the Special Committee on Biorisk
• Management of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and representing Pirbright on the UK CL4 User Group and the UK Biorisk Strategic Leadership Group.
• Undertake all continuing professional and personal development necessary for the above.

Lead generation of assurance for stakeholders, including regulators, that Pirbright’s management of Biorisk is suitably and sufficiently robust and effective, including:

• Manage Biorisk incidents and carry out timely and effective investigation of such incidents, including root cause analysis.
• Develop programmes of workplace inspections, ‘horizontal’ audits on specific Biorisk topics, and ‘vertical’ audits of management of Biorisk, with timely reporting of findings.
• Monitor and facilitate implementation of corrective and improvement actions arising from inspection, audit and investigation findings.

Develop and demonstrate leadership, including contribution to wider strategic thinking and direction, and the management of professional advisers as directed.

Specific requirements

Essential:

• Degree in bioscience subject, or equivalent.
• BPRS RBA or RBS registration, or ISTR BSP, or equivalent experiential learning.
• Significant research or technical laboratory experience.
• Significant experience of working as a biological safety officer or similar role, including oversight of CL3 or CL4 facilities, or of working as a Biorisk regulatory inspector.
• Significant experience of liaison with regulatory authorities.
• Able to set priorities, deliver high quality work, under pressure, on time, in fulfilment of critical objectives.
• Able to build excellent working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, and resolve challenges with tact, innovation and determination.
• Demonstrable leadership qualities, and a respected and credible Biorisk expert (or clearly progressing towards such a subject matter expert status).

Desirable:

• PhD in a bioscience subject or similar.
• NEBOSH General Certificate in Health & Safety, or equivalent qualifications or training.
• Experience of workplace inspections and of auditing.
• Experience of developing and delivering training.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances. 

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.