Head of Biological Safety

About Us

King’s College London is a prominent university recognized globally for excellence in research and teaching. Based in London, we have close collaborations with NHS Trust partners and numerous research organizations. King’s Health & Safety Services team reports to the Senior Vice President (Operations) & Chief Operating Officer and plays a pivotal role in providing expert advice, developing health and safety frameworks, and ensuring effective risk management. Our goal is to empower managers to identify and manage risks, with an emphasis on support and guidance.

Our team works alongside other Professional Services functions and consults closely with King’s faculties to align advice with the evolving needs of research activities. As the primary liaison with regulators, we manage outsourced health and safety services, ensuring compliance and upholding King’s commitment to a safe research environment.

About the Role

We seek a passionate health and safety professional specializing in biological and GM risk management for complex, multidisciplinary research environments. The role will involve developing and managing strategies for biological and GM risk control based on a structured approach of continual improvement (Plan-Do-Check-Review).

Key responsibilities include attending Biological Safety Committees, ensuring the competency of Biological Safety Supervisors through engagement and training, and providing expert advice to Principal Investigators and Estates colleagues. You will be the first point of contact for regulatory bodies, advising stakeholders and supporting regulatory visits.

This is a hybrid position requiring at least five monthly on-site days at Lavington Street and across our campuses to strengthen relationships and ensure effectiveness.

About You

Essential Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field, with advanced knowledge and experience in GM and microbiological research.

Relevant qualifications (e.g., ISTR-accredited Biological Safety Practitioner, BSL-1, or IOSH Biological Safety) with strong understanding of UK legislation and regulations.

Experience developing biological safety frameworks, including training materials and risk assessment guidance, for complex organizations.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach.

Excellent communication and influencing abilities, adaptable to various audiences across the university.

Proven capacity to constructively engage with stakeholders and build positive working relationships.

Commitment to ongoing professional development through events, training, and study.

Desirable Criteria:

Postgraduate degree in microbiology or related field.

Experience working at Containment Level 3.

Background in planning and conducting audits.

Willingness to pursue a PGCert in Occupational Health & Safety Management.

Application Process

For full role details, please review the Job Description document after selecting “Apply Now.” This document outlines criteria for each recruitment stage. We welcome candidates who can demonstrate how they meet essential criteria and encourage those who meet desirable criteria to include supporting evidence.

Our Commitment

King’s is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where diversity is valued, and all individuals feel a sense of belonging. We collaborate with staff and unions to support our community, promoting an inclusive culture.

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement addressing the essential criteria listed.

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