Recruitment of Chair and Independent Members
HSE is looking for a new Chair and Independent Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (SACGM). SACGM provides technical and scientific advice to the Competent Authorities (HSE, Defra and the devolved governments Wales and Scotland) responsible for contained use activities with genetically modified organisms. Its remit covers all aspects of the human and environmental risks of the contained use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In particular the Committee has the following specific roles:
- to advise on the technical aspects of policy development in this field
- to provide detailed advice on risk assessments for contained use activities involving GMOs
- to develop and update guidance on all aspects of contained use of GMOs including the Compendium of Guidance.
Applicants for both roles should be leading academics, professionals, or researchers in an area of expertise aligned to genetic modification activities of microorganisms or organisms.
About the roles
Term of appointment
Appointments to both roles will normally be for three years and may be extended. Before appointment, candidates will be required to go through a Security Clearance process.
Pay
These roles are unpaid posts. However, the Chair and Members can claim travel and subsistence expenses for SACGM business at centrally set rates.
Time commitment
- Chair: around 8 days a year
- Independent Members: around 4 days a year
You’ll attend 2 to 3 meetings each year, mostly online. Some meetings may be in person if needed.
You may also be asked to join a subgroup or working group on specific topics.
Independent Members - who should apply
We welcome applications from the following specific areas of expertise which are currently needed by the SACGM. It may be that additional areas of genetic modification expertise may be relevant to the committee and we welcome candidates to bring additional areas of expertise to our attention.
- Molecular bacteriology
- Molecular immunologist
- Molecular parasitologist
- Molecular mycologist
- Vector biology
- Engineering biology
- Gene therapy
- Gene editing
- Plant molecular biology
- Modification and handling of highly pathogenic micro-organisms
- Modification and handling of micro-organisms for industrial applications
- Application/use of GMOs in contained use environments such as clinical settings and greenhouses
Chair - who should apply
We welcome applications from candidates with scientific and leadership skills and expertise in any area of genetic modification.
How to apply
Read the applicant packs for information on the application process. You can apply for both roles.
Send your application by midnight on 5 June 2026. We expect to interview shortlisted candidates in mid July 2026.
Interviews will be held online using Microsoft Teams.
If you have any questions about the role or the application process, email [email protected].
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