Independent Members - Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (x12 posts)

Recruitment of up to 12 Independent Members for the Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification

3-year appointment

Remuneration: This is not a paid post. Members are entitled to allowances for subsistence and travel whilst on SACGM business, at rates set centrally.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is looking for experienced scientists in genetic modification activities to become members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (SACGM). SACGM has been operating since 2004 and it provides technical and scientific advice to the Competent Authorities (HSE, Defra and the devolved governments Wales and Scotland), responsible for contained use activities with genetically modified organisms. Its remit covers all aspects of the human and environmental risks of the contained use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In particular, the Committee has the following specific roles:

- to advise on the technical aspects of policy development in this field;
- to provide detailed advice on risk assessments for contained use activities involving GMOs; and
- to develop and update guidance on all aspects of contained use of GMOs including the Compendium of Guidance.

Appointments to SACGM will normally be for three years and may be extended. Before appointment, candidates will be required to go through a Security Clearance process.

Applicants should be leading academics, professionals, or researchers in an area of expertise aligned to genetic modification activities of microorganisms or organisms. We are looking for applications from candidates from various industry and work environments such as academic, industrial, clinical, government or other sectors.

We would welcome applications from the following areas of expertise which are likely to be relevant to the SACGM which are listed below. However, it may be that additional areas of genetic modification expertise may be relevant to the committee and we welcome candidates to bring additional areas of expertise to our attention. We also recognise that some areas of expertise may be overlapping with other areas.   

- Molecular bacteriology
- Molecular virology
- Molecular immunologist
- Molecular parasitologist
- Molecular mycologist
- Vector biology
- Synthetic biology
- Engineering biology
- Gene therapy
- Gene editing
- Plant molecular biology
- Modification and handling of highly pathogenic micro-organisms
- Modification and handling of micro-organisms for industrial applications

It is anticipated that this role requires on average 4 days participation from committee members per year. Each member will be expected to attend two or three meetings every year which are predominantly held online. Face to face meetings may be organised as the need arises. Some members may also be asked to participate in a sub group or working group on a particular topic such as guidance review if required.

To Apply:

For full information on this opportunity please send a request by email to SACGM@hse.gov.uk and we will send you the Information Pack which lists the appointment criteria and application process.

Applications must be received by midnight 03/10/2025.

Interviews (virtual via TEAMS) are likely to be conducted with shortlisted candidates in mid-November 2025.

If you have any questions about this opportunity including questions on the application process or you would like to discuss the role, please contact SACGM@hse.gov.uk.