Laboratory Compliance Manager & Health & Safety Advisor

Rothamsted Research Ltd.; North Devon, St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institute in North Devon is seeking a Laboratory Compliance Manager and Health & Safety Advisor. You will lead compliance and safety across laboratory facilities, manage operations and audits, and ensure adherence to health and safety regulations. The successful candidate will possess a scientific degree, relevant health and safety qualifications, and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits in a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in laboratory environments and compliance management.
• Strong understanding of regulations and quality systems.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of health and safety compliance across the site.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations: inductions, risk assessments.
• Conduct audits and implement preventative measures.

Skills

Health & Safety knowledge

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Education

Degree in a scientific discipline

Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH)

Job description

Laboratory Compliance Manager and Health & Safety Advisor

c.£40,000 per annum dependent on experience

Overview

Be the driving force behind safe, compliant, and world-class research

We’re looking for a confident and proactive Laboratory Compliance Manager & Health and Safety Advisor to lead compliance and safety across our shared laboratory facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of health, safety, and biosafety compliance across the North Wyke site.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations: inductions, risk assessments, SOPs, and access control.
• Manage chemical and biological inventories, shared equipment, and waste streams.
• Conduct audits, investigate incidents, and implement preventative measures.
• Deliver training and guidance to staff, students, and visiting researchers.
• Support budgeting, procurement, and contribute to capital grant submissions.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in a scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH or equivalent).
• Proven experience in laboratory environments and compliance management.
• Strong understanding of regulations, quality systems, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Experience in biosafety and quality system design is desirable.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Generous annual leave plus flexible working options.
• Excellent pension scheme and access to wellbeing support.
• Professional development opportunities, including IOSH/NEBOSH and biosafety training.
• Work in a collaborative, innovative research environment where your impact matters.
• Join an organisation committed to sustainability and scientific excellence.

Ready to make a difference? For informal enquiries, contact Daniel Cornwall at [e-mail]. Apply today and help us deliver safe, cutting-edge research.

This is a full-time position initially for 3 years, attracting a salary of c.£40,000 per annum dependent on experience.

About The Company

Established in 1843, Rothamsted Research is one of the UK's leading Research Institutes delivering world class agricultural science. Our commitment to learning and development, equality, diversity and inclusion and flexibility in working arrangements creates a positive work life balance and enables a welcoming environment for all prospective employees.

As a Disability Confident Employer we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.

We have an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities.