Head of Biorisk and Compliance

Salary for this Role:

From £77,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Head of Biorisk and Compliance

Reports to:

Graeme Harkess

Closing Date:

04/Oct/2026 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Job Title:  Head of Biorisk and Compliance

Details of the role:

Reports to: Director of Health and Safety

Working pattern: This is a permanent full time position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary: From £77,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 4th of October 2026 at 23.59

About us 

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

We are looking for an experienced leader and subject matter expert to serve as our Head of Biorisk & Compliance here at the Crick.

As our Head of Biorisk & Compliance, you will be a trusted advisor and leader, shaping the Institute's approach to biorisk management, regulatory compliance and assurance. You will lead specialist teams, provide independent oversight, and work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance are maintained.

What you will be doing

You will:

Health and Safety, and Biorisk Oversight and Assurance

• Own systems and processes to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, including SAPO, GM (Contained Use) and COSHH across containment levels 2–4

• Assure the effectiveness of risk assessment processes, governance arrangements and control frameworks for complex biological work

Regulatory Compliance and Engagement

• Lead regulatory engagement from an assurance and compliance perspective

• Oversee governance, tracking and close‑out of actions arising from external audits and inspections

Monitoring, Audit and Performance Reporting

• Own the maintenance and operation of assurance frameworks, including audits, inspections and performance monitoring

• Analyse and evaluate audit and inspection data to identify systemic weaknesses and emerging risk

Leadership, Capability and Culture

• Lead, coach and develop the biorisk and compliance health and safety team.

• Build effective positive working relationships and collaboration within and across the H&S team and ensure consistent communications to all stakeholders

Please see full job description here

About you

You will have:

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline.

• Strong background in Health and Safety management, including compliance and assurance activities, in line with the ‘Check’ element of HSG65 Managing for Health and Safety. *

• Extensive senior experience in biological safety and regulatory compliance within complex research environments. *

• Experience managing specialist safety teams with multiple internal and external stakeholders

• Strong knowledge of SAPO, GM regulations, containment principles and biological safety legislation. *

• Proven experience delivering assurance, audit or regulatory oversight functions. *

• Credibility with regulators, senior leaders and scientific communities.

Minimum criteria*

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.