Biosafety Officer - Jobs in Saskatoon, SK

Job Description

Biosafety OfficerSafety 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.Primary Purpose: Reporting to the Biosafety and Environmental Officer, 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.Nature of Work: The Biosafety Officer’s primary role is to support and administrate biosafety programming, as lead by the Biosafety and Environmental Officer, 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.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: A Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a related field. Knowledge of biosafety attained through a combination of education, training, and experience is required.Professional credentials in biosafety or a related discipline is an asset.Licenses: Education and experience must allow for designation as a Biosafety Officer, within applicable acts and regulations.Experience: Progressive experience in developing and executing biosafety programming for research laboratories and operations.Progressive experience in developing and executing research safety programs including radiation safety, chemical safety, cannabis research safety/administration, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods is an asset.Experience in laboratory safety inspections in a university research environment is an asset.Skills:

• Working knowledge of biosafety and laboratory safety.
• Working collaboratively in a team of safety professionals to produce stronger outcomes than working alone.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and deal with competing priorities.
• Understanding and demonstrated ability in adult training principles.
• Proficient communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Jeff Lindsay at 306-966-8495.Department: Safety ResourcesStatus: PermanentEmployment Group: ASPAShift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0Salary: 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 ProfessionalSalary Phase/Band: Salary Band 2Posted Date: 4/5/2022Closing Date: 4/26/2022Number of Openings: 1Work Location: On CampusThe successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where Yes is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.phpCriminal Record Check: YesDrivers License and Abstract Check: Not ApplicableEducation/Credential Verification: YesVulnerable Sector Check: Not ApplicableThe University of Saskatchewan has instated a number of health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including self-disclosing and providing proof of vaccination status, regular point-of-care testing and/or mandatory masking in order to access our campus(es).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 Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis 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.Quick Apply

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