Departmental Safety Officer

Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ 

About the role 

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) to lead and manage all health and safety matters across the Oncology Department, part of the Medical Sciences Division. This pivotal role will suit someone with a strong biological sciences background and significant health and safety experience in a laboratory environment.

You will be a core member of the Oncology Facilities Team, working closely with the Building and Facilities Manager (BFM), whom you will deputise for as required. Your responsibilities will include overseeing safety compliance, conducting inspections and risk assessments, investigating incidents, maintaining key safety documentation, and leading on laboratory and building safety. You will also liaise regularly with the Division, Central University bodies, and external agencies on health and safety matters.

This varied role includes oversight of laboratory safety management, waste disposal procedures, service contracts for critical lab equipment, and supporting sustainable laboratory practices. You will also play an active role in the governance of human tissue and radiation safety, and participate in the departmental on-call rota to ensure consistent support.

This is a full-time, 1-year fixed term role and offers an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to lead on strategic and operational safety initiatives in a complex, research-intensive environment. An early start date would be preferential for this role. 

About you 

You will hold a degree (or equivalent vocational qualification) in a Scientific or Technical subject, alongside substantial experience working in life sciences or biocontainment laboratories. A deep knowledge of current health and safety legislation and practical experience working in Biosafety Containment Level 2 environments is essential.

You will be confident in providing expert advice and guidance on safety procedures, and able to engage sensitively and effectively with researchers and staff at all levels. You will be a strong communicator with excellent organisational and time-management skills, able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

A sound understanding of the Human Tissue Act and radiation safety is required, and familiarity with relevant safety platforms such as Coruson or iPassport would be advantageous. A formal health and safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH) or membership of a professional body is desirable. 

What we offer 

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits we offer, including: 

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

Application process 

Applications must be submitted online. Please upload a supporting statement that clearly outlines how you meet the selection criteria, along with your curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees. 

If you would like to know more about the role or have an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact Dr Caroline Fitchett at caroline.fitchett@oncology.ox.ac.uk  

Only applications received before noon on Friday, 20th June 2025 can be considered. 

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

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