The Pirbright Institute
Engineering Safety Advisor
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Engineering Safety Advisor
Salary: £41,500.00 - £43,000.00
Hours: 37 hours per week
Employment Type: Full Time
Contract Length: Permanent
Closing Date: 25th September 2026
About The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading centre of excellence for research and surveillance of viral diseases affecting farm animals and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Strategically funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Institute works to enhance national and international capability to predict, detect, contain, control and eliminate economically and clinically important viral diseases through highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. Pirbright’s charitable objective is to conduct and promote scientific research into diseases of animals, including exotic diseases, and to develop appropriate methods for their prevention and control. Our mission is to be the world’s leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock, applying scientific research to protect animal and human health and support the economy.
Based on a dedicated campus in Pirbright, Surrey, southwest of London, the Institute employs just over 400 staff, with research supported by 52 PhD students and nine interns from a wide range of backgrounds. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our community and on a culture built around our PRIDE values: Passion for the highest standards of quality, delivery and performance; Reliability in everything we do, including leadership, learning, biosecurity and anticipating and containing unexpected events; Innovation as the driving force behind our fundamental and applied science; Dignity and respect for every member of our diverse community; and Excellence in all aspects of our work, from health, safety and biosafety to scientific research, customer service and environmental protection.
Pirbright provides national and international capacity to predict, detect, understand and respond to emerging viral diseases of livestock, as well as endemic viruses circulating within and beyond the UK. Our diagnostics, surveillance facilities and specialist expertise form an important national capability, helping to protect the UK from livestock viral diseases that threaten our borders and enabling us to respond decisively and rapidly in the event of an outbreak. Our fundamental research focuses on viruses, hosts and the complex interactions between them, while our wider science addresses key challenges including protecting the UK and global agriculture from viral threats, increasing agricultural efficiency to improve animal health and welfare, mitigating the growing threat of vector-borne diseases driven by climate change, and improving human health through a greater understanding of vaccine-induced protection.
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With internationally recognised expertise in virology, immunology, diagnostics and surveillance, Pirbright combines fundamental discovery with practical solutions to tackle today's diseases and prepare for the emerging viral threats of tomorrow. Advancing science to improve the world in which we live.
Organisation Position & Purpose
The Engineering Safety Advisor is a pivotal member of the team who will support the department in ensuring compliance and safety are prioritised and maintained to the highest standards. The position will perform key duties and report to the Engineering Safety and Risk Manager.
Main Purpose of the Role
- Developing, conducting and reviewing audits and inspections on engineering processes across all operational areas
- Providing support for risk assessment activities and reviews within the Engineering department
- Carrying out Human Factors Assessments and supporting the integration of human factors into operational activities via Safety Critical Task Analysis
- Updating information management systems for contractor and staff activities on site including logging Permit to Work information, filing and archive of permit documents, contractor inductions and RAMS reviews.
- Attending periodic Operational and Health and Safety meetings as required
- Providing regular Health & Safety Reports to inform Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs)
- Supporting the team with the management of accident/incident investigations and where required take the lead to ensure compliance and closure
- Working with the Quality, Health, Safety and Engineering Management Teams to ensure integration, compliance with internal and external Health & Safety and Biosecurity requirements
- Identifying training needs and developing safety training to be delivered to engineering operations staff
- Providing support for the Institute’s Process Safety Management System (PSMS), including attending regular Process Safety Group meetings.
- Participating in health, safety and quality assurance procedures as appropriate
- Deputising for the Engineering Safety and Risk Manager as required
Specific Requirements
Essential:
- NEBOSH Level 3 National General Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification
- Experience working in a Health & Safety, Risk or Safety Assurance role
- Experience with carrying out investigations, including interviewing employees and root cause analysis
- Strong understanding of risk assessment principles and their practical application
- Ability to analyse safety performance data and produce clear, concise reports and recommendations
- Ability to influence decision-making and provide pragmatic safety advice within an operational environment
Desirable:
- Experience working within engineering, maintenance, infrastructure or other operationally focused environments
- Knowledge of modern safety management principles, including Human Factors, Human and Organisational Performance (HOP), Safety Differently, or similar approaches
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels
- Experience supporting the development and continual improvement of safety management systems and operational standards
- Experience with Human Factors integration, including Safety Critical Task Analysis, Hierarchical Task Analysis and human factors in incident investigation
- Experience undertaking internal audits or supporting certification against management system standards such as ISO 45001, ISO 9001 or ISO 14001
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Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What Pirbright Offers You
- A unique opportunity to shape both your research programme and the scientific direction of a world-leading institute.
- Beautiful campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).
- Professorial-equivalent appointment (Band H); salary negotiable.
- Permanent position with senior leadership responsibilities.
- Annual consumables budget, access to internal PhD studentships, internships, and seed funding.
- Eligibility for strategic funding for a postdoctoral researcher.
- 25 days annual leave plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service.
- Enhanced Parental package.
- Option to buy and sell annual leave.
- Option to carry over or buy up to two weeks' annual leave.
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount website).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Childcare allowance.
- Electric car charging facilities.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.
We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion
Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable environment that supports cutting-edge research and professional growth.
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