Job Purpose
Working as part of Safety and Environmental Protection Service (SEPS) the post holder will assist the University to develop and maintain legally compliant standards within the field of biological safety and related disciplines. The post holder will also work closely with environmental, chemical and fire safety specialists in the SEPS team, complementing these specialist areas of work where required. The postholder will interact with the UK Health and Safety Executive and other national and international regulatory agencies. In addition, the postholder will give input and be part of relevant School Safety Committees as appropriate.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide professional advice on matters of biological and general health and safety. This will include active participation in the development, promotion and application of corporate strategies and policies for handling biological materials.
2. Promoting the development and introduction of common standards for biosafety and security throughout the university through liaison with Colleges, School and area management in addition to supervisors, safety networks and other stakeholders.
3. Inform staff of the issues of biological safety, and their responsibilities to those who work or study with them, through the preparation of policies, codes of practice, guidance and training materials. Assist in the promulgation of this material through all suitable routes, including publication on SEPS website.
4. Liaise with staff at all levels to facilitate the development and implementation of the institution's health and safety policy with respect to biological health and safety. This will include Heads of School, Technical staff, Safety Coordinators, Safety Representatives, members of the University Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee and the Occupational Health Unit.
5. Advise, and where necessary direct, on matters affecting biological health and safety, in particular:
• the design of biological work areas.
• the preparation of schemes of work and local rules, risk assessments for biological work.
• the acquisition of any required licences or authorisations.
• genetic modification activities both within local units and corporately.
6. Advise consultants and officers in charge of the design, construction and modification of buildings and facilities on matters affecting biological health and safety.
7. Develop, coordinate and, where appropriate, deliver relevant biological health and safety training and promote, encourage and support the delivery of local training at School level. Assist in delivering IOSH accredited Working Safely, Managing Safely and Managing Safely Refresher courses.
8. Act as lead and co-auditor on the University audit programme of the Health and Safety Management Systems across management units.
9. Develop and implement systems for periodic inspection and audit of work involving biological hazards, to ensure that such work meets both the standards required by legislation and by University policies. Lead on the annual rolling programme of containment level 3 inspections across the institution. Produce reports and recommendations for senior management based on audit findings.
10. Liaise with the various inspectorates, external bodies and enforcing authorities and provide information and assistance to them as required. Facilitate and coordinate inspection visits. Engage with the enforcing authorities to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable that any proposed improvements are appropriate and proportionate to the risk. Review and comment on inspectorate reports and coordinate the institutional response to these as required.
11. Keep abreast of forthcoming developments in legislative and practical matters affecting biological safety and provide advice to the Director of Safety and Resilience, on the implication of these for the Institution. Maintain expertise through a programme of continuous professional development and through liaison with colleagues working in biological safety and in biological research both internally and externally to the organisation.
12. Working closely with the Centre for Virus Research and College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences Biological Safety Managers, Lab and building managers and Safety Coordinators to ensure good standards of local advice and day-to-day monitoring of practices and procedures.
13. Providing specialist input into the investigation of the causes and consequences of certain accidents and incidents and advise on action to be taken following the investigation.
14. Assisting (where required) in the development of emergency response and contingency plans for action following foreseeable accidents and incidents involving biological agents and GMOs.
15. Undertake general health and safety duties that may be assigned by the Head of Service including addressing non-biological safety matters that may reasonably fall within the general competence of professional safety staff.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post, having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. Or, Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10, (Honours Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent including professional accreditation with relevant formal training and experience of personal development in a similar or related role.
A2 Demonstrable evidence of specialised training, or expertise, sufficient to ensure an authoritative and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the management of biological hazards.
A3 Conversant with UK legislation and professional guidelines relating to biological safety and with the practical application of this with a laboratory environment.
A4 An understanding of general UK health and safety legislation, safety management systems and of risk management principals.
Desirable:
B1 A relevant biological safety related qualification and/or relevant biological science/biological safety related professional membership.
B2 A relevant postgraduate qualification within a biological sciences discipline.
B3 A professional qualification in health and safety of at least NEBOSH Certificate level or equivalent or a willingness to obtain this within the probationary period.
B4 Demonstrable knowledge of general health and safety management issues.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Proven interpersonal and verbal communications skills, in particular, well- developed influencing and negotiation skills.
C2 A proven ability to prepare written policies, reports and guidance to a high standard.
C3 Well developed analytical and investigative skills.
C4 High grade presentation skills and a demonstrable ability as a trainer.
C5 Capacity to manage and deliver projects independently and to prioritise and manage workloads.
C6 Ability to function well within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable:
D1 Previous track record of laboratory management.
Experience
Essential: E1 Significant relevant professional experience within a biological safety management role.
E2 Experience of developing and delivering relevant biological or general safety training.
E3 Experience in pathogen research and/or genetic modification activities.
E4 Experience of carrying out inspection activities in a laboratory environment.
E5 Relevant experience within the higher education sector or comparable research environment.
Desirable:
F1 Experience in delivering IOSH- accredited safety courses.
F2 Experience in conducting safety management audits.
F3 Experience of working with the Health and Safety Executive and other governing bodies.
F4 Experience in supervision/ line-management of staff.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum. This post is offered on a full time (35 hours) and open-ended basis. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages. 3 A flexible approach to working. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 148032 Close Date : 18-Jun-2024 23:45