Head (Biosafety) - Health, Safety and Environment Office

Department: Health, Safety and Environment Office

Job Posting Details

Reports To: Director and Associate Director

This is a senior, hands-on Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) leadership role responsible for leading and advancing the University's biological safety program.

The appointee will serve as the principal HSEO liaison for the planning, establishment, and operational readiness of the new School of Medicine, which is scheduled to admit its first cohort of students in September 2028. Working closely with academic and operational stakeholders, the role will provide specialist input for new facilities and research laboratories, review research proposals and risk assessments, and assist the School in establishing effective laboratory safety and biosafety programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and continually improve the University’s biological safety program, policies and management arrangements to support safe research and teaching and compliance with applicable institutional, local and international requirements.
• Review grant applications involving biohazardous materials and work with principal investigators to understand proposed research, assess risks, identify appropriate controls, and develop compliant biosafety protocols and disposal plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory coordination and biological risk assessment.
• Oversee laboratory inspections, program audits and investigations of incidents involving biological materials; monitor corrective actions; and establish suitable emergency preparedness and response arrangements.
• Support occupational health programs and medical services on campus.
• Act as the principal HSEO liaison for the new School of Medicine and provide biosafety input throughout facility planning, commissioning and operational readiness, including the safe establishment of new research and teaching laboratories and the development of the School’s laboratory safety and biosafety programs.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in biological sciences (e.g., microbiology, biomedical sciences, bacteriology or virology), occupational hygiene, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of applied professional EHS work experience, with substantial experience in biological safety, infectious disease control or emerging biotechnologies in academic, biomedical or biotechnology research institutes.
• Experience in biosafety oversight of infectious disease research, high-containment laboratories or other regulated biological materials is highly desirable.
• Professional certification in biosafety, such as certification by ABSA International (RBP or CBSP), or an equivalent qualification, is preferred.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Chinese, including Putonghua.

Note: Candidates with less experience may be considered for appointment at an appropriate managerial level.

(Duration: 2 years, renewable)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.


Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes. Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.