The Biosafety Officer administers and delivers the USask biosafety program and related services to the university community in support of compliance and best practices in biosafety and associated regulations and standards.

Nature of Work:

This position consists primarily of biosafety program administration and approximately 10% hands-on biosafety and laboratory safety in support of the university’s research community.

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, regulations, and standards:

• Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Regulations
• Health of Animals Act and Regulations
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations
• Saskatchewan Employment Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Canadian Biosafety Standard and related guidelines and directives
• Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Aquatic Animal Pathogens
• Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Plant Pests
• University of Saskatchewan Policies on Health, Safety, and Environment

Administers the USask Biosafety Program, including, but not limited to:

• Issuing Biosafety Permits and reviewing permit amendments and Biosafety Plans
• Compiling regulatory reports and documentation, such as risk assessments, licence amendments, risk management oversight plans, etc.
• Managing activities of the USask Biosafety committees
• Managing the university’s pathogen and toxin licenses and other regulatory permits and acting as the primary or alternate Biosafety Officer named on the licenses, as required
• Conducting biosafety audits and laboratory inspections
• Reviewing ethics applications and serving as a committee member on the University Animal Care Committee
• Managing Biosafety documentation and resources available to USask researchers

Investigates incidents involving biohazardous materials consistent with regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to:

• Serving as a biological material consultant to emergency responders
• Compiling regulatory reports on incident investigations and follow-ups

Provides biosafety support and guidance to the USask 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, Safety Resources, and applicable regulations

Facilitates the importation and transfer of biological material consistent with regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to:

• Providing consultation on biological import requirements
• Managing the university’s MyCFIA account to facilitate CFIA import permit applications
• Performing inspections to maintain Containment Level 2/2+ compliance letters
• Recording and authorizing transfers of Risk Group 2 (or higher) materials to and from USask
• Developing the Transportation of Dangerous Goods – Biologicals (Class 6.2) program including regulatory compliance, provision of training, and consultation of dangerous goods shipments, as needed

Develops biosafety programs, services, and initiatives to ensure the safe and responsible use of biological and biohazardous materials at USask

Develops and maintains positive relationships with university stakeholders to ensure biosafety needs are effectively supported

Supports the overall laboratory and research safety programs, including Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Supports actions against discriminatory or racist behavior in our university; contributing to the dismantling of institutional structures, policies and processes that contribute to inequalities faced by marginalized groups.

Ensures planning and solutions retain Indigenous and EDI priorities, commitments, actions and outcomes.

Education:

A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a related field is required.

Knowledge of biosafety practices and risks associated with activities performed in Containment Level 2 laboratory environments is required.

As per the HPTR 8, this knowledge can be attained through a combination of education, training, and experience in order to allow for designation as a Biosafety Officer.

A minimum of three years of progressive experience in developing and supporting laboratory safety, with a specialty in biosafety programming is required.

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:

A minimum of three years of progressive experience in developing and supporting laboratory safety, with a specialty in biosafety programming is required.

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.

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.