BioSafety Officer

Algoma University; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Algoma University seeks a dedicated BioSafety Officer to ensure compliance with biosafety regulations and enhance safety protocols within their laboratory environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting risk assessments, developing training programs, and maintaining emergency preparedness to create a safe space for research activities. This role requires strong communication skills and a solid background in biological safety principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of related experience in a biosafety role required.
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle infectious agents and biological hazards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and perform risk assessments.
• Develop and deliver biosafety training for lab personnel.
• Conduct routine inspections and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in a science-related discipline

Active registration with the Canadian Association for Biological Safety

Job description

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Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including : Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title : BioSafety Officer

Administration

Position Status : Permanent, Full-Time

Non-Union

Department : Life, Health & Safety

Supervision Received : Manager, Life, Health & Safety

Supervision Exercised : Student Assistants

Location : Sault Ste Marie, ON

Number of Positions : 1

Salary Scale : $64,583 to $80,728 annually.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS :

A. Regulatory Compliance 60%

B. Training and Education 30%

C. Other Duties 10%

TOTAL 100%

Reporting to the Manager, Life, Health & Safety, the Biosafety Officer is responsible for ensuring Public Health Agency of Canada's approval of the Containment Level 2 lab, ensuring compliance, conducting risk assessments, and developing biosafety protocols. The Biosafety Officer also provides specialized training for lab personnel, monitors facility equipment, and coordinates incident reporting and emergency response efforts. The incumbent will also carry out regular audits, maintain documentation and policies, and collaborate with internal and external partners to uphold safety and regulatory standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Regulatory Compliance (60%)

• Act as the University’s representative for biosafety licences, regulatory audits, inspections, and investigations while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct gap analyses between legislation and University programs, as well as best practices, to assess compliance and recommend improvements.
• In collaboration with the University’s Biosafety Committee, Occupational Health, Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC), and other key members of the Algoma University community, develop, implement, and maintain biosafety procedures manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other policies.
• Prepare and submit licence applications, renewals, and amendments to regulatory bodies (e.g., Public Health Agency of Canada).
• Conduct biosafety risk assessments and develop and implement both mitigation plans and safety recommendations to minimize risks.
• Investigate and report biosafety incidents, regulatory non-compliance occurrences, and near-misses, and recommend corrective actions to ensure a culture of safety.
• Conduct routine inspections of laboratories, biological safety cabinets, and other containment equipment to ensure compliance with biosafety standards and regulatory requirements, and follow up on open action items with relevant parties.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness plans, including containment breach response, exposure management, and evacuation procedures.
• Track and monitor requisition requests, inventory, and the status of acquisitions related to biosafety equipment and supplies.

Training & Education (30%)

• Develop and deliver biosafety training programs for laboratory and non-laboratory personnel, including risk assessment, safe handling techniques, and emergency response procedures.
• Provide guidance on biosafety best practices, decontamination procedures, and waste disposal protocols.
• Serve as a consultant to emergency responders for incidents involving biohazardous materials.
• Maintain detailed records of biosafety protocols, training sessions, incident reports, equipment inspections, regulatory compliance, lab’s biosafety status, audits, and any significant incidents or developments.
• Conduct regular emergency drills and ensure all laboratory personnel are familiar with protocols.

Other Duties (10%)

• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Physical Effort

Moderate : Work activities require moderate periods of physical effort, requiring a variety of muscle movements with frequent requirements for speed and coordination (at least 50% of the day).

Physical Environment

Considerable : Environment has frequent exposure to unpleasant / disagreeable conditions such as inclement weather, dirt, dust and noise.

Sensory Attention

Considerable : Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention (programing, graphic design, repairing equipment).

Considerable : Work activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental pressures conditions where mental stress may be noticeable. Such as conflicting deadlines, dealing with angry / emotional disturbed / dangerous clients / public, regular and disruption of personal life or need to travel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in a science-related discipline, and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, is required.
• Active registration with the Canadian Association for Biological Safety is required.
• Sound understanding of the need for, and application of, biological safety principles and practices is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of methods to safely and securely manipulate, study, produce, and contain infectious agents and biological hazards.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, provincial, or municipal regulatory legislation, standards, practices, and guidelines impacting work with infectious agents and materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter HERE no later than 4 : 00 p.m. on June 13, 2025.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and / or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Education

Higher Education

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