BioSafety Officer

Job Description

Reporting to the AVP Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity, the Biosafety Officer (BSO) is responsible for providing institutional oversight for the management of biological materials including: review of biohazards permits and standard operating procedures; inventory control; training; spill and emergency response; risk assessments and inspections of academic, research and service activities involving biological materials; and incident and injury investigations involving biological materials. The BSO is responsible for the management of the biohazardous waste program, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Office, including overseeing internal biohazardous waste collection, handling & storage; contracts with biohazardous waste disposal service providers; recordkeeping and reporting to both internal and external bodies.Employment GroupADMINPosition Number00951DivisionProvost and Vice-President AcademicDepartmentScholarship Research and Creative ActivityCampusNanaimo campusAppointment Typeregular part-timeFTE0.20WorkloadRegular Part-time - 7 hours per week MWFPay LevelExcluded Pay Band 7Start:As soon as possibleApplicant DocumentsCV/Resume, Cover Letter, Qualifications , Referees/ReferencesPosted Date06-Nov-2020Closing Date18-Nov-2020Job Reference1003Duties:

• Manage the University’s Biosafety Program. Conduct risk assessments; provide biosafety-related training; conduct inspections & monitoring of biological material users; internal and external reporting; and manage recordkeeping and internal communications.
• Manage the University’s Biohazardous Waste Program: collection, storage, manipulation and disposal. Work with certified biohazardous waste collection and disposal services to ensure quality control, environmental compliance and due diligence.
• Regularly inspect and monitor laboratories and other areas where biological materials used and report deficiencies to the appropriate authorities.
• Act as liaison between the University and the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Environment Canada on matters related to biosafety.
• Evaluate and report to the AVP SRCA and the University Biosafety Committee the level of compliance with health, safety and environmental laws and regulations relating to biological materials and biohazardous waste disposal. Develop and implement administrative controls to address areas and issues of non-compliance as appropriate.
• Provide advice, support and assistants to researchers, laboratory and service personnel on the purchasing, storage, use and disposal of biological materials to ensure compliance and safety.
• Conduct audits, inspections and reviews of departmental policies and procedures and report results to the appropriate internal authority. Investigate biological material incidents, compile and distribute reports with recommendations for appropriate corrective actions.
• Compile information, prepare, distribute and submit reports to both internal and external auditing and compliance bodies as required.

Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree, in Microbiology, Biology or in a related field. Minimum 3 years’ experience in an academic environment in a lab environment.Knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology and latest laboratory techniques and equipment, specifically Good Microbiological Practices and autoclavesKnowledge of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA)Knowledge Transport of Dangerous Goods legislation pertaining to biological materials.Good spoken and written English in order to provide detailed information to internal and external clients and to prepare reports, correspondence, and documentsBasic knowledge of Word (to prepare documents), Excel (to create, update and maintain spreadsheets), Power Point (to create presentations) and OutlookAvailability to work flexible hours as requiredAbility to work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary teamSuperior communication, interpersonal, and organizational skillsAbility to trouble-shoot, problem solveTake initiative and follow through on projectsAbility to wear and use all the necessary personal protective and emergency response equipment, including medical clearance for the use of respirator protectionPreferred Qualifications:Master's degree.