Leader of Safety Group

Job offer

Leader of Safety Group

Location: Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
 Facility: ELI Beamlines
 Reports to: Director of ELI Beamlines
 Contract Type: Full-time, On-site

About ELI ERIC and ELI Beamlines
The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI ERIC) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility dedicated to multidisciplinary science, ELI provides open access to state-of-the-art, high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems, enabling cutting-edge research in physics, chemistry, materials science, medicine, and engineering.

ELI ERIC operates as a single, multi-site organization composed of two complementary facilities:

• ELI Beamlines, located in Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic, specializes in laser-plasma interactions, particle acceleration, and secondary radiation source generation.
• ELI ALPS, located in Szeged, Hungary, is focused on ultrashort pulse generation and attosecond science.

ELI Beamlines supports a broad range of scientific user experiments and plays a central role in ELI ERIC’s mission to drive breakthrough discoveries through extreme light science. Designed as a user-oriented infrastructure, it integrates advanced laser systems with complex experimental environments—including radiation-controlled areas, ISO-class cleanrooms, and chemically regulated areas—ensuring maximum performance, safety, and experimental precision.

Role Overview

We are seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Leader of the Safety Group. This role is critical to ensuring the safety of personnel, infrastructure, and operations at ELI Beamlines. You will be responsible for the development and implementation of safety systems and procedures across the facility and will lead a dedicated group focused on radiation protection, laser safety, biological and chemical safety, and occupational health and safety.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, systems-oriented safety professional capable of working across disciplines and national regulatory frameworks while promoting a strong internal safety culture tailored to a scientific and experimental environment.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Operational Oversight

• Lead the Safety Group, managing all safety-related activities and ensuring coordination across the facility.
• Develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols covering laser safety, radiation protection, chemical handling, and occupational health.
• Ensure preparedness for emergency situations, incident response, and risk assessments related to research and infrastructure activities.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Monitor and ensure compliance with legal and institutional obligations related to safety.
• Liaise with Czech national authorities (e.g. SÚJB) and external auditors.
• Maintain accurate documentation, permits, safety records, and compliance reports in line with ISO standards.

Training and Safety Culture

• Organize and oversee safety training programs for staff, users, and visitors.
• Promote a culture of transparency and proactive safety through communication and internal initiatives.
• Actively participate in audits and internal evaluation processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work in close coordination with scientific, technical, and facility infrastructure teams to integrate safety into technical planning and daily operations.
• Review and assess proposed experiments, upgrades, and facility modifications from a safety perspective.

Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications

• University degree in engineering, applied physics, occupational safety, radiation protection, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in safety management in a technical, scientific, or high-risk industrial environment.
• Familiarity with Czech regulatory environment for radiation protection, lasers, chemicals and workplace safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong written and spoken English; Czech language is a significant advantage.

Preferred (Not Mandatory)

• Experience working in ISO 45001 or ISO 9001 environments.
• A valid qualification in radiation protection (e.g. as recognized by SÚJB) is an advantage. If not already obtained, a readiness to pursue certification will be considered acceptable.
• Familiarity with laser laboratory operations, accelerator facilities, or cleanroom protocols.

We offer

• A leadership role in the safety and compliance management of a cutting-edge European research infrastructure.
• A collaborative and international work environment.
• Support for professional development and safety certifications.
• Competitive salary and benefits package

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, cover letter, contact information for references, and any other relevant documents to: Mrs. Jana Ženíšková, HR Senior Specialist (+420 601 560 322).

Application deadline: 5th February 2025.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about safety in advanced scientific environments.

For information on the processing of personal data, please visit: https://www.eli-beams.eu/informace-o-zpracovani-vasich-osobnich-udaju-gdpr/. We are an equal opportunity employer.