Job summary
Are you ready to shape the future of advanced therapies in the UK?
CUH is seeking a dynamic Biological Safety Officer for Clinical Research to drive innovation and excellence in biosafety across a thriving portfolio of over 1,000 clinical research studies--including cutting-edge Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and GMOs.
You'll be at the heart of the Cambridge Clinical Research Centre (CCRC) and play a national role through the Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre (ATTC) network. This is your chance to lead, influence, and collaborate across disciplines.
We're looking for a subject matter expert in virology/microbiology or related sciences with a passion for safe, innovative science. If you thrive in complex environments and want to make a real impact on patient care and research, we want to hear from you.
Join us. Lead the way in biosafety. Transform the future of experimental research.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
- Provide expert biosafety advice for clinical research at CUH, with a focus on ATMPs and GMOs.
- Oversee and advise on operations of CL1, CL2, and CL3 containment facilities locally and nationally.
- Accelerate clinical trial setup by improving biosafety risk assessments in line with national 150-day targets.
- Develop and implement a robust biological safety management system.
- Lead audits, inspections, and investigations of biosafety incidents; assign and support risk mitigation actions.
- Liaise with regulators (e.g., HSE) and lead on GMO submissions and compliance.
- Collaborate with national partners (via the ATTC) to standardise GMO risk assessments and share best practices.
- Deliver training and guidance on biosafety to staff across all levels and departments.
- Participate in key governance groups, including the Biological & GMO Committee, ATMPs Committee, and Scientific Advisory Board.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on the 1st February 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 17th February 2026
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on the 1st February 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 17th February 2026
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in relevant scientific subject such as Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology or related fields
- Post Graduate health sciences qualification
- PhD in health-related sciences or equivalent experience
- Registered by ISTR as Biosafety Practitioner or accredited equivalent qualification or working toward
- Substantial experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, in particular ATMPs
Desirable
- Current GCP training
- Research module / certificate
- Teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Expert virology and microbiology knowledge gained throughout clinical work, academia and industry
- Experience working in a similar role at a practical and advisory level within a clinical trial and laboratory setting
- In depth understanding of the regulatory requirements of containment levels 1, 2 and 3 laboratories
- Extensive knowledge of performing risk management processes including risk assessments for biological agents/advanced therapies
- Experience of overseeing standards, quality and safety across laboratories, from policy development through to implementation and monitoring
- Proven extensive knowledge and experience of laboratory quality and compliance
Desirable
- Writing standard operating procedures
- Previous experience of working in a research environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of leadership qualities/skills
- Evidence of on-going professional development
- Effective Resource Management
- Evidence of risk assessment training
- Evidence of managing major change successfully and positively
Desirable
- Awareness of Trust / National strategies / Initiatives in R&D and Health Care
- Working knowledge of Research Governance, ICH GCP, Declaration of Helsinki & R&D in the NHS
Skills
Essential
- Management Training
- Ability to undertake audit
- Teaching and Presentation Skills
- Assertiveness skills
- Effective change management skills
- Team motivation skills and effective team worker
- Proven skill in people management in mobilizing and motivating multidisciplinary teams to learn, develop and deliver to high standards
- Excellent written/oral communication skills
- Able to keep accurate/detailed records
- Able to plan, implement and evaluate care for patients having novel therapeutic interventions
Desirable
- IT skills
- Project Management
- Sample processing/centrifuging
Additional Requirements
Essential
- To always act in a professional manner
- Capable of developing liaisons with other practice areas/academic institutions
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
- The ability to understand and always behave, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent
Desirable
- Knowledge of broader issues related to specialty - political and Trust
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in relevant scientific subject such as Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology or related fields
- Post Graduate health sciences qualification
- PhD in health-related sciences or equivalent experience
- Registered by ISTR as Biosafety Practitioner or accredited equivalent qualification or working toward
- Substantial experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, in particular ATMPs
Desirable
- Current GCP training
- Research module / certificate
- Teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Expert virology and microbiology knowledge gained throughout clinical work, academia and industry
- Experience working in a similar role at a practical and advisory level within a clinical trial and laboratory setting
- In depth understanding of the regulatory requirements of containment levels 1, 2 and 3 laboratories
- Extensive knowledge of performing risk management processes including risk assessments for biological agents/advanced therapies
- Experience of overseeing standards, quality and safety across laboratories, from policy development through to implementation and monitoring
- Proven extensive knowledge and experience of laboratory quality and compliance
Desirable
- Writing standard operating procedures
- Previous experience of working in a research environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of leadership qualities/skills
- Evidence of on-going professional development
- Effective Resource Management
- Evidence of risk assessment training
- Evidence of managing major change successfully and positively
Desirable
- Awareness of Trust / National strategies / Initiatives in R&D and Health Care
- Working knowledge of Research Governance, ICH GCP, Declaration of Helsinki & R&D in the NHS
Skills
Essential
- Management Training
- Ability to undertake audit
- Teaching and Presentation Skills
- Assertiveness skills
- Effective change management skills
- Team motivation skills and effective team worker
- Proven skill in people management in mobilizing and motivating multidisciplinary teams to learn, develop and deliver to high standards
- Excellent written/oral communication skills
- Able to keep accurate/detailed records
- Able to plan, implement and evaluate care for patients having novel therapeutic interventions
Desirable
- IT skills
- Project Management
- Sample processing/centrifuging
Additional Requirements
Essential
- To always act in a professional manner
- Capable of developing liaisons with other practice areas/academic institutions
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
- The ability to understand and always behave, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent
Desirable
- Knowledge of broader issues related to specialty - political and Trust
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Cambridge Clinical Research Facility
Keith Day Road
Cambridge
CB2 0SL
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)