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

Final date to receive applications: 4th of October 2026

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.

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.

• 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

• Lead regulatory engagement from an assurance and compliance perspective

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

• 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

• 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

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 HSG
  65 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*

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the…