View Vacancy -- H&S Advisor (Chemical and Biological Safety) - Operations - Health and Safety - LMB 2109

Open Date
20/03/2023, 00:00
Close Date
17/04/2023, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK.  At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.  You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4
Cambridge
£32,005 to £35,143 per annum
£3,000 RRA p.a.
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full or Part Time options

Overall purpose: 

The aim of this post is to assist the Head of Health and Safety in providing a high level of competent advice to the Director of the LMB. You will support cutting-edge science by monitoring and advising on health, safety and regulatory compliance issues. Specifically working with LMB members and other stakeholders the function of the role is to ensure the safe working environment at the Ares, MRS and the main LMB building.

It is essential that all members of the Health and Safety department have the competence and flexibility to support the wider departmental function. In order to achieve this, Safety Advisors will also be expected to work as both a generalist and specialist advisors, leading on one of four key topic areas. 

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

To act as a generalist H&S advisor, to:

•    Provide highly competent Health and Safety advice to a wide range of key stakeholders on a wide range of topics.
•    Create and sustain productive relationships with the research staff and use a pragmatic approach to health and safety, whilst ensuring standards and supporting research.
•    Plan and prioritise work autonomously and to assist other member of the team to plan their work accordingly. 
•    Work with the Head of H&S to devise and deliver the H&S strategy. To identify and plan actions within your responsible topic areas, using a hands-on approach. 
•    Apply superior problem-solving skills to complex matters, taking into account previous experience and knowledge. 
•    Take into consideration underlying MRC/UKRI policies and requirements and to take into consideration their application. 
•    Work collaboratively with other support services to deliver integrated and efficient support.
•    Champion and represent the H&S Department and Head of H&S, as directed, including attending relevant meetings. 
•    Conduct and lead on health and safety inspections, audits (including in collaboration with others) and evaluate working practices.
•    To lead on accident investigations ensuring root causes are identified, that lessons are learnt and that appropriate measures are implemented in a timely manner. 
•    Produce reports and action plans and subsequently to negotiate or enforce necessary actions.
•    Be a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
•    Liaise with external regulatory bodies on behalf of the Head of H&S as required.
•    Undertake other activities/responsibilities within their competence as directed by the Head of H&S commensurate with the grade of the post.
•    Be empowered by the Director, through the Head of H&S to deal with issues of breaches of compliance and imminent danger (to life and/or property).


To act as the primary advisor (lead) on chemical and biological safety and:

•    Work autonomously to manage and lead on the specific topic area, providing an expert level of knowledge and acting as the subject matter expert.
•    Remain abreast of current and emerging technical and professional aspects of health and safety to maintain an appropriate level of personal awareness and knowledge.
•    Provide verbal and written reports of assurance to senior management as required which can be distributed to a wide audience.  
•    Determine and manage a programme (with support from the Head of H&S) of methods for continual improvement within the primary topic area.
•    Work collaboratively to ensure any risks are appropriately controlled.
•    Apply and interpret specialist knowledge in order to give advice in line with relevant legislation. Taking into account a range of influencing factors such as business need, legislative requirements and user needs. 
•    Undertake risk assessments or advise other assessors and to review them as and when is needed.
•    Lead on the production of health and safety policies, procedures, guidance notes and documentation and to oversee their introduction and implementation, as part of the process of continual improvement. This will include contributing information and guidance for the H&S webpages. Setting strategic direction (in consultation with the Head of H&S) for the specific topic areas. 
•    Design and delivery of appropriate health and safety training.
•    Ensure compliance with specific reporting and record keeping requirements in relation to statutory and regulatory requirements.
•    Establish and maintain H&S systems of assurance and compliance for specialist knowledge areas.

Working relationships: 

You will work with members of the H&S team, research staff, other infrastructure groups (particularly Estates and Facilities and Lab Services), other H&S staff, statutory and other external bodies. You will represent the H&S Department at relevant meetings as required.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: 
•    NEBOSH Level 3 General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification
•    A science degree or equivalent experience
•    Significant experience of working within H&S within a research environment
•    Technical membership of a professional H&S body

Desirable: 
•    NEBOSH Level 4 National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, an equivalent qualification or experience or working towards completion


Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Previous experience of H&S management systems
•    Extensive previous experience of working within a H&S role
•    Previous experience of working in a Health and Safety role within an academic or research environment
•    Previous experience of accident/incident investigation and root-cause analysis
•    Previous experience of managing regulatory compliance visits and inspections

Desirable: 
Previous experience of scientific research and laboratories, including working as a research scientist

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential: 
•    Knowledge of H&S hazards and associated controls
•    Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office
•    Previous experience in laboratory hazards, including chemical, biological or radiation safety
•    Knowledge of safe working practices in a science laboratory environment, including containment facilities

Desirable: 
•    Previous experience of business continuity and/or crisis management
•    Experience of supervising and supporting staff
•    Experience of committees and committee structures 

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    Good interpersonal skills and an ability to engage collaboratively with staff at all levels
•    Ability to change style and focus when needed and the ability to be supportive, firm but tactful
•    Ability to be a team player and have a customer focused approach to their work
•    Strong presentation and teaching skills 
•    Ability to promote a Health, Safety & Wellbeing culture within an organisation
•    Excellent time management skills with the capability to plan, multi-task, prioritise and change priorities as required, with the minimum of supervision
•    Ability to organise your own time effectively and have a flexible approach
•    Ability to undertake multiple tasks whilst prioritising according to need
•    Commitment to continual professional development.

Desirable: 
•    Experience of working in a team and providing a service
•    Ability to handle conflict situations
•    Strong leadership skills

Role Specific requirements (Specialist areas)

Health and Safety Advisor (Chemical and Biological Safety)

The candidate should have previous laboratory experience, preferably handling chemical and/or biological materials, with a strong understanding of The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. It would also be beneficial to have an understanding of related legislation, such as Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). 

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role 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.

This opportunity is closed to applications.