Divisional Safety Officer Engineering Department

Company: University of Oxford
Apply for the Divisional Safety Officer Engineering Department
Location: Oxford
Job Description:

The Department of Engineering Science is one of the largest departments in the University of Oxford. With strong interdisciplinary links and a commitment to world‑class research, the Department provides an intellectually stimulating and dynamic environment for staff and students alike.

Benefits

  • Flexible Hybrid Working: A work set‑up that combines office and remote work.
  • Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.
  • Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.
  • Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.
  • Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work‑life balance.
  • Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco‑friendly transportation.
  • Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.
  • Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.
  • Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community‑building efforts.
  • Support for continued, life‑long learning and career development.

About the role

  • Lead the departmental safety team and specialist safety staff, managing safety‑related activities to promote a proactive safety culture that supports engineering teaching and research.
  • Spend approximately 15% of time supporting the MPLS Division as one of six Divisional Safety Officers, helping to shape and deliver the division’s continuous improvement programme.
  • Provide support, advice and training in all areas of health and safety, conducting staff and student training/inductions, lab inspections, incident investigations and management, compliance and risk assessment, policy development and implementation, and project work.
  • Maintain a good awareness of general lab safety and effective risk management in laboratory settings.
  • Oversee the Deputy Departmental Safety Officer and the Chemical Safety Officer, managing their work and professional development.
  • Coordinate with the wider team of safety specialists to ensure cohesive action plans and policy execution.
  • Organise and chair regular meetings to share knowledge and ensure efficient delivery of action plans and policies.

Qualifications

  • Appropriate health and safety qualifications (ideally the NEBOSH Diploma; at minimum the NEBOSH General Certificate and willingness and ability to obtain the Diploma within 2 years of appointment) and commitment to continuing professional development.
  • Up‑to‑date knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice.
  • A degree in a lab‑based science subject (or equivalent experience) with extensive experience working in a complex laboratory‑based/research/industrial environment.
  • Experience of risk assessments, safety and environmental auditing, and inspection programmes.
  • Strong organisational, planning and management skills and excellent communication skills.

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Posted: June 12th, 2026