Biosafety Officer - Health, Safety, and Environment - Department of Human Resources
$84,284 to $93,445 per annum
As soon as possible until April 30, 2027 (Term may be reduced or extended depending on performance, available funding, and departmental requirements)
The University of Prince Edward Island is seeking a Biosafety Officer (BSO). This position reports to the Manager of Health, Safety and Environment and works with the UPEI Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) overseen by the Vice-President of Academic and Research. The incumbent will be a member of various committees such as the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and Animal Care Committee, among others as required. The BSO primary role is to oversee, develop, and support Biosafety programming at the university in accordance with best practices and governing legislation.
What we offer:
- Flexible work arrangements
- 23 Days annual vacation plus university holidays
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage
- Post-retirement benefits
- Tuition waivers – self, spouse and dependents
- Access to the Health and Wellness Centre for staff and immediate family members
- Professional development opportunities
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for promoting biosafety and biosecurity in all University activities that involve biohazardous agents
- Promotes, facilitates, and ensures regulatory compliance under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and Regulations, Health of Animals Act and Regulations, Canadian Biosafety Standard, PEI Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and UPEI Health and Safety Policies and procedures
- Instrumental in the development and review of UPEI Biosafety Policy, UPEI Medical Surveillance Policy, UPEI Biosafety Program Standard, the UPEI Biosecurity Plan and other supporting documents
- Oversee the ongoing development and maintenance of the UPEI Biosafety Program
- Manages the University’s biosafety licenses and permits with federal and provincial regulators
- Provides timely expert advice on questions relating to biological materials
- Reviews and provides guidance for Biosafety Permit approval
- Conducts information and training sessions for laboratory and non-laboratory personnel
- Provides expertise on biohazard risk classification and containment, safe handling techniques, decontamination methodologies and biological waste treatment and disposal
- Conducts routine site visits and laboratory compliance inspections of research, teaching and service laboratories and animal facilities
- Supports the safe operation of the Containment Level 2 laboratories
- Serves as a safety consultant to emergency responders for incidents involving biohazardous material
- Serves as a resource to UPEI’s Emergency Management and responsible person for executing HSE department Contingency Plan when required
- Assists with the importation, exportation, and/or domestic transfer of biohazardous materials in compliance with Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations
- Provides advice on appropriate decontamination procedures for routine disinfection or sterilization of laboratory surfaces, equipment and biological wastes
- Works closely with UPEI Research Services and liaises with government organizations such as CFIA and PHAC
- Advises research personnel about containment, safety, biosecurity, and monitors performance and compliance in projects involving hazardous biological material
- Responds and investigates in a timely manner to incidents involving biological material
- Requires moderate degree of physical activity, and annual N95 Fit Testing
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A master's or doctoral degree in biological science is required
- Three to five years of experience as a Biosafety Officer is preferred. Experience in a biosafety, laboratory, veterinary or related environment will be considered
- Certification as a registered or certified biosafety professional is an asset
- Other skills include problem recognition and solving ability; excellent communication and writing skills; tact and diplomacy for predictable and unpredictable situations, and dispute resolution skills
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 or equivalent
- Experience and knowledge in federal and provincial regulatory standards and legislation is required
Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link below.
If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, hrofficer@upei.ca. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.
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