View Vacancy -- Senior Health and Safety Adviser with Radiation Protection Supervisor Responsibilities - MLC 2713

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research.  As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.

We have an exciting opportunity at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) to join our Site Operational Team. 

We are excited to offer the role of Senior Health and Safety (H&S) adviser with radiation protection supervisor responsibilities and are looking for a knowledgeable, motivated, hands-on and positive individual.

The post-holder will also manage the use and the storage of ionising radiation at the MLC site on the Harwell Campus.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• With Head of Health and Safety, lead on the strategy for effective safety management at the MLC.
• Provide an expert source of advice and assistance on H&S matters.
• Ensure the effectiveness of safety systems in managing MLC risk profile and meet compliance, using a coherent programme of audits and monitoring, including the review of accidents, incidents and near misses; conduct investigations where appropriate.
• Ensure the provision of staff training, awareness, planning and control that matches the needs of a safe management system and cultivate a culture of careful working practices.
• Ensure effective risk assessments and incident management systems are in place and being used.
• Support the MLC Executive and Management Teams on all aspects of H&S Management, identifying corrective actions and monitoring progress.
• Drive innovation, impact and change in safety to ensure H&S at the MLC remains fit for the future, anticipating challenges or improvement opportunities.
• Support effective staff management through mentoring, appraisals and development plans.
• Prepare annual budgets, monitoring and reporting as required. Ensure the department operates within allocated resource limits, safeguarding and developing new revenue streams.
• Prepare, review and maintain up-to-date plans, procedures and policies that ensure:
  • compliance with relevant rules and regulations
  • emergency procedures, incident response and resources are fit for purpose
  • all required audits, inspections, reviews and follow up actions are carried out in a timely manner

Additional Radiation Protection Supervisor responsibilities:

• Implement and manage the regulations and local rules relevant to work with ionising radiation.
• Manage the risks arising from the use of ionising radiation, the necessary precautions to be taken and the extent to which these precautions will restrict exposure.
• Implement systems for dealing with accident/emergency (i.e., implement and develop site ionising radiation contingency plans).
• Lead on the RPS Committee and participate in other safety committees, and assist in implementing any actions arising.
• Lead on audits by Health & Safety/Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs) and inspections by external regulatory bodies as agreed with the Head(s) of Division and the Head of Health & Safety.

Working Relationships:  

The post-holder will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer, and will work with departmental colleagues, scientists, senior managers, programme leaders, external contractors, and external RPAs.

Additional Information:

The post-holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent
• Chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in delivering health and safety management and risk systems
• High level of understanding of health and safety principles and legislation
• Practical experience of delivering safety in high hazard environments
• Hands on approach to working in a research environment and managing safety
• Experience in the production, maintenance and implementation of documentation, including best practice documents, standard operating procedures and risk assessments
• Experience of contingency planning
• Experience of working under health and safety regulations

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a service environment

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Current knowledge of health and safety regulations and compliance
• Experience of working within a life science research environment
• Experience working with open, sealed and high activity sealed sources (HASS) of radiation

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

• Self-motivated with a helpful attitude
• A high level of attention to detail in all work outputs
• Ability to produce accurate and concise documentation
• Ability to positively influence and negotiate so that solutions are identified
• Ability to present and facilitate to mixed audiences up to Director level with confidence

Equality & Diversity:

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all.  Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement based on their skills, aptitudes and abilities.  The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management. 

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.