Biosafety Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a new developed permanent Biosafety Officer role based in the laboratory team in Canary Wharf (E14).

hVIVO conducts human challenge studies offering services to both pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies using a range of different clinical trial methodologies across differing viral challenges. The end goal of our clinical trials is to potentially eradicate common illnesses like the common cold and flu completely - or at least make treatment of them as easy and effective as possible. Volunteers are central to the work that we do. Our studies focus on testing new treatments on real people, in a safe, controlled, clinical environment.

The role will assist the company on responsibilities related to management of biosafety, working as part of the laboratory management team to ensure it supports cutting edge science by monitoring and advising on biological, health, safety and regulatory compliance issues, specifically working with scientific and clinical teams as well as other stakeholders. This role will support in the delivery of the H&S strategy for Biological safety, oversee and advise when required, on the management and operation of the Containment level 2 and 3 facilities. Support the review of existing and the creation of new best practises and procedures for working with a range of HG2 and HG3 pathogens.

Main Responsibilities

At its core, the main responsbility is to maintain a detailed knowledge of biosafety best practice in microbiology and virology. As the subject matter expert for biosafety, provide guidance and training to all levels in the business and across all functional areas.

• Assist with setting work priorities and objectives for activities relating to Biosafety.


• Support and promote best practice in biological safety. Including storage and handling of pathogens, working with different HG2 and HG3 pathogens, deactivation, destruction and disposal of pathogens and bio-specimens.


• Work with the Biosafety representatives/key stakeholders to provide professional, efficient and effective support to science group, operational laboratory and clinical teams.


• Periodically attend the Biological and GM committee meetings and ensure it fulfils the terms of reference, when required.


• Be a point of escalation, providing generalist and specialist advice across the company, particularly within the science and clinical teams.


• Devise and deliver the biological safety management system, by identifying, planning, implementing policies and procedures as delivered by the Biosafety Team.


• Act as subject matter expert, advising the Institute of best practices for biological safety, overseeing some operations of biological facilities at containment levels 2 and 3.


• Lead in the delivery of timely investigations of accidents and incidents, ensuring root causes are identified, that lessons are learnt and that appropriate measures are implemented.


• Lead audits and inspections, working risk owners to take action and mitigate risk.


• Stay up to date with current regulations and best practises


• Liaise with external bodies and regulators as require and lead on submissions for the use of pathogens to the HSE
  
  Previous experience working in a similar role at an advisory level within a clinical trials or laboratory setting.


• In depth understanding of the regulatory requirements of containment levels 2 and 3 laboratories is essential.


• In depth knowledge of microbiology and virology


• Working knowledge of performing risk management processes including completing detailed risk assessments for biological pathogens and implementing mitigation measures.


• BSc or higher in biological sciences