Job Description

Biosafety Officer

Safety Resources is USask's occupational health and safety (OHS) department and is accountable for all research safety programming. Our research safety programs include chemical and laboratory safety, radiation safety, biosafety, and cannabis research safety. In addition, Safety Resources includes typical OHS operations like safety management system implementation, construction and trades safety, and contractor safety but also encompasses technical programs in asbestos management, safety programming for veterinary and health sciences, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, as well as environmental and hazardous waste management.

There are many benefits offered with this role, including:

Health/Dental/Vision: comprehensive and 100% employer paid benefits

Veterinary Discount: discounted veterinary services performed at the Veterinary Medical Centre, including pet food, lab fees, and prescription drugs

Growth and Development: opportunity to participate in unique areas of OHS, and funds to facilitate your professional development

Primary Purpose:

The Biosafety Officer's primary role is to support and administrate biosafety programming, in accordance with best practices and governing legislation. This position consists of approximately one half biosafety program administration and one half hands-on biosafety and laboratory safety in support of the University's research community.

Nature of Work:

Reporting to the Manager, Safety Resources, the Biosafety Officer administers the University's biosafety program and delivers biosafety programming and services to the University's research community in support of compliance and best practices in biosafety and associated regulations and standards.

Responsibilities include providing expertise on biohazard risk classification and containment, safe handling techniques, decontamination methodologies and biological waste disposal; developing and delivering biosafety training; scheduling and conducting routine site visits and compliance inspections/audits of laboratories, animal, and agricultural facilities; facilitating imports and exports of regulated biohazardous materials; and, responding to emergencies and supporting investigations for incidents involving biohazardous materials.

Depending on your passions, skills, and talents, the areas of focus of this role can be adapted and customized to optimize engagement and success in the position.

The Biosafety Officer works in an environment of continuous change, shifting priorities and frequent interruptions. The Biosafety officer must be able to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Periodically, the Biosafety Officer will work in potentially hazardous environments, including responding to and assisting with emergency situations, which may occur after hours.

Accountabilities:

• Promotes, facilitates, and ensures regulatory compliance of research programs in accordance with the following acts/standards/and regulations:
• Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Regulations
• Health of Animals Act and Regulations
• The Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines
• Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• University of Saskatchewan Health and Safety Policies
• Administers the Biosafety Program for the University, which includes, but is not limited to:
• Biosafety permit administration
• Compiling regulatory reports/documentation, such as risk assessments, incident investigation reports, license amendments, etc.
• Facilitating biological material procurement consistent with regulatory requirements
• Administering and supporting the activities of the University's Biosafety committees
• Managing the University's biosafety licenses and permits with federal and provincial regulators
• Reviewing ethics applications and serving as a committee member on the University Animal Care Committee
• Provides biosafety support and guidance to the University's research community, including, but not limited to:
• Providing technical expertise, training, and accurate and timely advice in support of best practices in biosafety
• Promoting and ensuring compliance with biosafety requirements, work practices and procedures as prescribed by the University and Safety Resources and pursuant to applicable regulations
• Supporting the development of biosafety programs, services, and initiatives to ensure the safe and responsible use of biological and biohazardous materials
• Providing support and/or backup to the Biosafety and Environmental Officer and acting as the alternate Biosafety Officer for the university
• Scheduling and conducting biosafety audits and laboratory inspections
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with university stakeholders to ensure biosafety needs are effectively supported
• Serving as a consultant to emergency responders for incidents involving biological materials
• Leading the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program (air and road) including regulatory compliance, provision of training, and coordination of dangerous goods shipments for campus, as needed
• Support the overall laboratory and research safety programs

Education:

Minimum Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a related field.

Knowledge of biosafety and associated regulations, policies, standards, and best practices attained through a combination of education, training, and experience is required.

Professional credentials in biosafety or a related discipline is an asset but not required.

Licenses:

Education and experience must allow for designation as a Biosafety Officer, within applicable acts and regulations.

Experience:

Experience in developing and executing biosafety programming for research laboratories and operations.

Experiences in laboratory research and/or operations of a research lab, preferably in a university setting.

Experience in laboratory safety inspections in a university research environment is an asset.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships
• Ability to collaborate with others in support of an agreed upon outcome
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain positive relations with discretion and cultural sensitivity with a diverse campus community
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective planning and organizational skills including managing competing priorities and time management
• Understanding and demonstrated ability in adult training principles
• Proficient computer skills

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Jeff Lindsay at 306-966-8495.

Department: Safety Resources
Status: Term 18 months maternity leave replacement of up to 18 months, with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 - 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 11/10/2022
Closing Date: 11/30/2022
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan's for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.