Laboratory Automation & Robotics Safety Adviser

Job content

In This Role You Will

• Provide relevant safety advice to staff within the remit of your qualifications and experience;
• Be pro-active in the identification of safety issues and recommendation of appropriate solutions;
• Provide an internal safe use of intelligent automation consultancy service in cooperation with other advisers to the safety community and wider Dstl, taking personal ownership of the specific technical issues referred;
• Advise Head of Safety, Division Heads and Chairs of relevant Safety Technical Authorities of any changes to relevant legislation, codes of practice or guidance that affect Dstl activities and to propose an effective course of action where necessary. To support the continued and ongoing development of the relevant processes and guidance as part of Dstl’s system of management control;
• Take responsibility for the development of both personal and organisational understanding of best practice in the field;
• Actively support and influence the relevant safety agenda by taking ownership for both communicating and acting on key messages including the continued and ongoing development of the relevant sections of the Dstl Management System;
• Advise on, develop and where appropriate deliver, an effective safety training module for staff involved in activities using intelligent automation.
• Advise on emergency plans for incidents involving intelligent automation systems, adequacy of their testing and in the event of an incident to provide technical support.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of agreed safety integrity levels within the context of the use of the technology; along with an agreed inspection and risk based audit programme for intelligent automation safety issues across the Division or in wider Dstl.
• Develop monitoring performance indicators for intelligent automation safety issues across the Division and provide effective intervention where needed
• Undertake and record accident/incident information and data by monitoring, investigating and processing all reports raised by staff, contractors and their visitors. Ensure that the appropriate corporate reporting process has been applied and that actions are monitored to close out.
• Knowledge/skills development and coaching for staff (e.g. Safety Technician/Risk Assessors/WPS/BS) through the development, delivery and evaluation of safety training & mentoring programmes and the identification and active promotion of relevant safety initiatives.
• When required, liaison with internal, external or regulatory bodies to ensure the business helps drive good practice nationally / internationally as well as being compliant with mandatory regulations.
• Provide technical support to Senior Establishment Incident Manager (SEIM) during a site incident as requested
• Provision of assurance services including:
• Being as a member of the Division/Dstl audit team and where appropriate, the Corporate Safety Audit team carrying out audits to evaluate the effectiveness of Safety systems and procedures and identify and implement improvements
• Supporting Safety inspections by Division Head, GL’s and those initiated by the Safety Manager.
  

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who has:

• Practical experience with the use of laboratory automation systems, including robotic systems;
• A good understanding of the safety risks from the use of automated systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and related robotic solutions;
• A desire to motivate Dstl to be as safe as it can be when working with laboratory automation systems;
• The ability to proactively take the lead, inspire and effect positive change, communicate messages to multiple audiences with credibility;
• The ability to quickly develop good working relationships with a variety of people;
• Good networking skills;
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with a wide range of issues/challenges;
• Persistence to see things through to a conclusion;
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities successfully delivering to changing requirements;
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Training skills with a dedication learning and development.
  

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.

If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.

Work location
Dstl is strongly encouraging blended and flexible working either at one of our sites or from home or both. We want to empower you to undertake your duties at the most appropriate location for the task, however you will be allocated a Dstl site as a base. You may be required to travel to other Dstl and MoD sites as required.