⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Advisor

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £58,346 per annum | Open Ended | Full Time | Closing Date: 12th July 2026

Location: UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and support services explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

We’re committed to keeping the UK at the forefront of world-changing science, and this requires excellence across all our support services.

STFC’s UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is located at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE). The ROE site also hosts STFC staff from the Estates and Business Innovation departments, as well as tenants and contractors.

A small number of staff from other STFC Departments are also based on the site and support the UK ATC programme. The site is also shared with the Institute for Astronomy of the University of Edinburgh.

A vacancy exists in the STFC Safety Health Environment (SHE) Group at ROE. SHE Group support the new and exciting science programmes and buildings being constructed for them across STFC.

Reporting to the Daresbury site SHE Group Senior Safety Advisor, this is a key role that will lead major improvements in specific areas of STFC SHE management and delivery of continuous improvement in SHE management systems across STFC.

The ROE SHE advisor will work very closely with the UK ATC Director, who is also Head of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE) site and has oversight responsibility for SHE matters.

As part of a small team, this appointment is an opportunity for the STFC SHE Group to add specific skills and experience complimenting those within the team.

We are interested in senior SHE specialists with a demonstrable track record of leadership and delivery of impact in specialist area(s) of SHE management relevant to STFC operations.

List of Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities

Provide professional SHE advice and guidance to UK ATC management, employees, tenants, and science facility users and support them in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of the STFC SHE Management System.
Support development of the STFC’s documented SHE Codes based upon experience of internal application, audit findings, external best practice, and legislative changes identified through horizon scanning.
Manage and develop the provision of effective, efficient and professional SHE services to ROE staff, contractors, tenants, visitors and users
Support the development and maintenance of ROE SHE policies and related documentation.
Ensure that all SHE incidents, including injuries, near misses, fires, environmental and vehicle incidents are reported, investigated appropriately and actions established to minimise the likelihood of their repetition. Sharing STFC wide learning appropriately.
Monitor and audit, the effectiveness and efficiency of the SHE Management System, its policies and procedures, at the UK ATC Royal Observatory and as appropriate other STFC sites.
Communicate and liaise closely with the key stakeholders in the STFC SHE Management System, in particular, safety and environment committees, trade union safety representatives, Departmental Safety Contacts, those appointed to key SHE roles, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and emergency services.
Assist with the preparation and delivery of STFC specific on-line and face to face SHE training programmes and monitor and enforce SHE training compliance of ROE staff.

Other requirements

Available to work and travel in the UK and abroad.
Available to work flexibly, including occasional out of normal working hours or weekend working or telephone contact.

Essential Shortlisting Criteria

Educated to degree or HND level in a science or engineering discipline. (S)
Demonstrable experience of successful delivery of a SHE Advisory role in science, engineering, construction or technology sectors. (S,I)
NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, or equivalent qualification. (S,I)
Good knowledge of engineering, electrical and building maintenance safety management. (S,I)
A broad working knowledge of current and forthcoming changes to UK SHE legislation relevant to STFC. (S,I)
Strong oral and written communication skills. (I)
Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills deployed with staff at all levels, from Operator to Manager and Director. (I)
Strong IT skills and specific experience of the Microsoft Office software suite. (S,I)
Proactive, with a high degree of self-motivation and independence, able to deliver under pressure and against tight deadlines. (I)
There will also be a requirement to visit and work at other STFC sites as appropriate to the individual’s responsibilities within the STFC SHE Management System. (I)

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, an exceptional average salary pension scheme, and a subsidised restaurant.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.

Join us and discover what’s possible by submitting your CV and covering letter which outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified, along with your motivation for the role.

Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.

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