Job summary
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)�s Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit has an unrivalled history of progress towards securing control of both existing and emerging risks in the life sciences. Respected internationally for our independent status and integrity, it has a long-standing reputation for technical expertise which can be applied to deliver effective, proportionate solutions � enabling work with hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms to be managed safely.
The growth of the life sciences is a priority for government. We offer a real opportunity to influence the development of the sector by:
Promoting standards of safety that are proportionate to the risks and that reassure the public that appropriate controls are in place; Keeping pace with change and anticipating, and tackling new safety challenges, to enable the science and technology to develop, for example in areas like synthetic biology.
This is your opportunity to be part of the future of the life sciences and to make a difference using your knowledge and skills whilst continuing your development within the unique variety and depth of challenge that HSE offers you.
Part time working hours are available for this role. We can accept part time applicants who can commit to working a minimum of FTE Per week.
Job description
Key Responsibilities:
Your role will vary enormously in terms of task and pace, ranging from laboratory site inspections to technical reports. Using your specialist knowledge, you will contribute to the delivery of HSE�s strategy () by:
Carrying out inspections of facilities handling the most hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as part of HSE�s national intervention programme, as well as inspection of facilities handling animal pathogens under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order, on behalf of Defra and the Scottish, and Welsh governments; Investigating accidents, incidents and dealing with concerns raised about the safe use of microorganisms and GMOs; Taking enforcement action, including preparing technical reports and expert evidence in legal proceedings; Undertaking technical reviews of submissions and risk assessments to work with hazardous microorganisms and GMOs; Providing specialist advice on health and safety matters associated with your topic of biosafety within HSE, to other parts of government, research and industry, and other stakeholders; Advising on the risk and control of new and emerging infectious diseases in the workplace, eg for healthcare and agricultural workers; and Developing technical guidance and delivering technical training to a range of audiences.
We are looking for a high calibre Molecular Biologist who can, under challenge, think strategically, identify underlying core issues, and engage at different levels both with colleagues, scientists and at the most senior levels within an organisation. You will be decisive and able to influence those organisations to bring about improvements.
To be effective in this role you will need to have:
Strong communication skills to influence change at all levels in the organisations we regulate; Sound analytical skills to identify underlying gaps and deficiencies related to biosafety; Initiative and decisiveness, making sound decisions based on available evidence; Good organisational and planning skills taking responsibility for delivering expected outcomes on time and to the required standard; The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, maintaining positive professional working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders; and The ability to write effectively, including technical reports and to present complex technical information in a clear and concise way for a non-technical audience.
Training and development
From day one, you will be supported by your manager and colleagues to understand your role in HSE, in addition to supporting your continuing professional development.
As this is a Specialist Inspector role you will undergo a Specialist Training Programme (STP). This is a two-year training programme which includes in-depth legal training and assessment on occupational health and safety during your probationary period.� You will be required to complete and pass the full programme. There will also be further technical training relating to regulation of major hazards to be completed alongside on the job training to become an established practitioner.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
In-depth sound knowledge of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques as applied to a relevant area of molecular biology (, molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, genomics/genetics or cell biology); Extensive practical experience of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques applied in a relevant molecular biology area (, microbiology, virology, immunology, genomics/genetics, or cell biology); A track record of relevant peer-reviewed publications; An understanding of the safe operation within a CL2, CL3 or CL4 laboratory environment; and Ability to secure, maintain and develop relevant technical expertise (, up-to-date knowledge of molecular methodologies) and ability to become proficient in other technical aspects relevant to the work of the unit (, high containment laboratories, risk assessment).
At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, the arrangements will be determined primarily by business need.
Given this role requires commitment to a training period, as detailed above, flexible working would be considered on the basis of an average of 4 days per week. Alternative working patterns may be considered at a later date.
HSE regulates sites across the whole of GB. The Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit is a national team which also supports Local Authorities and other regulators. You will be expected to travel through the UK and occasionally abroad with regular overnight stays away from home.
Licences
A full driving license that permits you to drive in the UK unless a case for reasonable adjustments can be made under the Equality Act 2010. Should a reasonable adjustment be required, please answer yes to this criteria.
Qualifications
A PhD in an appropriate molecular biological sciences subject (, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, cell biology, etc.) - Your application will not be assessed if you do not provide details of your PhD �in an appropriate molecular biological sciences subject in the academic qualifications section of the CV.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Knowledge and understanding of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques Applying relevant scientific/technical knowledge Securing, maintaining, and developing relevant technical expertise Understanding of safe operation within a CL2, CL3 or CL4 laboratory environment
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �43,765, Health and Safety Executive contributes �12,678 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
We invest in our people with;�
Competitive rates of pay Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute far more than in the private sector. Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career. Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture. 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave. Parental leave benefits. As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
