Health and Safety Biosafety Advisor - £56,353 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for a Health and Safety Biosafety Advisor to join our Health and Safety and Quality Assurance Team within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a 2 year fixed term contract/internal move or temporary promotion basis. The role will be based onsite in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Science, Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy which will balance innovation against sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups, Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance and Health & Safety., This role exists to ensure that the MHRA Science Campus is a safe workplace and meets the standards set out in Management and Operation of Microbiological Containment Laboratories (HSE 2018) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Health and Safety and Quality Assurance, the role will provide expert guidance and advice on matters relating to biosafety within the Science and Research Group of MHRA, to support compliance with health and safety legislation and take immediate action to mitigate identified safety concerns and ensure all users of the site are safe. They will support the Lead Health and Safety Advisors and take a lead role in the review and revision of the site biosafety audit program. In addition, the role will work closely with the Biological Safety Officer (BSO) and Deputy to provide advice and support to their biosafety activities. The post holder will be expected to engage with
colleagues across all of the MHRA Science Campus at South Mimms. They will be a member of the Health and Safety management team and will be expected to contribute to the successful leadership and development of the Function., + Provide advice on risk assessments related to biological agents, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other hazardous materials.
+ Ensure compliance with relevant biosafety regulations, guidelines, and best practices, including the occupational health surveillance programme to be fit for purpose.
+ Be involved in discussions with HSE and specialist safety inspectorates to ensure that any recommendations for improvements made as a result of audits and spot checks are implemented without delay.
+ Effective planning for biosafety risk management through the development, review and implementation of biosafety policies and procedures.
+ Promote a culture of safety awareness and responsibility that focuses on learning and process improvement., We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.
+ Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
+ Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.
+ Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on provided - ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.
Use of AI in Job Applications
Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own., + UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

+ Degree in an appropriate life Science subject, or equivalent relevant experience
+ Post graduate qualification in relevant area (NEBOSH diploma desirable, or minimum NEBOSH certificate, Biosafety/Biorisk Practitioner qualification)
+ Experience in biological safety to high containment
+ Extensive post qualification H&S and Laboratory experience, with evidence of implementing a new or revised biosafety process
+ Ability to deliver at pace, ensuring everyone clearly understands their own roles, responsibilities and business priorities, Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £56,353, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £16,325 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
+ Privilege Leave: 1 day
+ Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
+ Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
+ Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
+ Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on
+ Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
+ Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
+ Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
+ Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
+ Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
+ On-going learning and development