University Biological Safety Adviser

Health & Safety

Full-Time / Permanent

Grade 8 (£47,389 to £56,535)

Make a Difference at the University of Dundee

We are seeking an exceptional University Biological Safety Adviser to join the Health & Safety team at the University of Dundee.

In this role you will be the institutional expert on all aspects of biological safety, biosecurity and biological risk management. Providing professional oversight enabling the safe and secure delivery of teaching, research and innovation involving biological agents, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), high consequence pathogens and other biological hazards. The University of Dundee has long been associated with top tear biological science teaching and research, and we are looking for a candidate who will help us improve even further.

About Health & Safety

Our role is to support every member of the University community in reducing accidents and work-related ill health to staff, students and visitors. We are a small, dedicated team of specialists who do this through compiling policies and procedures, training staff, giving advice and information, and monitoring performance

Learn more about Health & Safety: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/safety

About the Role

As University Biological Safety Adviser, you will play an important role within the Health & Safety team, as the University's competent person and professional lead for biological safety and biosecurity, ensuring the development, implementation and continual improvement of the University's biological safety and biosecurity management systems.

You will work closely with our network of local Biological Safety Advisers, Health & Safety Advisers, Faculties and Professional Services. Contributing to the overall University Health & Safety Strategy and ongoing priorities.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Act as the University's competent person for biological safety and biosecurity and the University's principal point of contact with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Department for Transport (DfT) and other relevant regulators on all matters relating to biological safety, genetically modified organisms (GM), biosecurity, COSHH and biological risk management.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of university-wide biological safety and biosecurity policies, standards and procedures.
• Exercise delegated authority within the University's Biological Safety Policy to determine compliance with biological safety requirements and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented.
• Lead the development and implementation of the University's Biosecurity Management Framework.
• Provide specialist advice on biosecurity risk assessment, dual-use research, , physical security and the secure management of biological materials.
• Oversee statutory notifications, licensing, document control and regulatory reporting.
• Provide authoritative professional advice on containment requirements, biological risk assessment, emergency planning and biological security.
• Ensure the University maintains appropriate governance arrangements for biological materials with biosecurity or bioterrorism potential.
• Provide professional oversight of the secure transport, import, export, receipt and transfer of infectious substances and biological materials in accordance with applicable legislation and international transport regulations.
• Maintain oversight of institutional arrangements for inventory management, accountability and security of high-risk biological materials.
• Maintain strategic oversight of biological safety and biosecurity governance across the University.

Who We're Looking For

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Registered Biosafety Practitioner (RBP), Registered Biorisk Adviser (RBA) or Registered Biorisk Specialist (RBS), or ability to demonstrate equivalent competence and achieve registration within an agreed timeframe.
• Significant experience acting as a Biological Safety Adviser within a complex research organisation.
• Extensive experience of GM contained use, SAPO, COSHH, CL2/CL3 laboratories, regulatory compliance, HSE interactions and institutional biological safety governance.
• Demonstrable experience of biological material transport, dangerous goods requirements for infectious substances, biosecurity management and regulatory compliance relating to the secure movement of biological materials.
• Experience developing policy, supporting governance committees, conducting audits and inspections, delivering specialist training and exercising independent professional judgement in complex biological safety and biosecurity matters.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and translate regulatory requirements into practical policy and operational guidance.
• Strong report writing, presentation and training skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• High level IT competence.

• Expert knowledge of
  • The GMO (Contained Use) Regulations,
  • COSHH,
  • SAPO,
  • Biological risk assessment,
  • Biosecurity,
  • Biological asset protection,
  • Dangerous goods legislation relating to infectious substances,
  • Biological transport requirements (including ADR and IATA where applicable),
  • Containment principles
  • Biological safety governance within research

Why Join the University of Dundee

At the University of Dundee, we are driven by a clear purpose: to transform lives through education, research and innovation.

We are internationally recognised for the real-world impact of our work, particularly in areas such as life sciences, health and engineering. Our collaborative and inclusive culture brings together talented people from across disciplines to tackle global challenges and deliver meaningful change.

Located in the vibrant city of Dundee, our campus offers a supportive and forward-looking environment where colleagues are empowered to develop, contribute and succeed.

Find out more about working at the University of Dundee: Working at the University of Dundee

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Requirements

Any offer of appointment will be conditional upon the individual having, or being able to obtain, the right to work in the UK. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review UK Government immigration guidance to assess their eligibility to work in the UK, including consideration of visa options that may be available to them, prior to applying.