Leader Biosafety Research Office of Research Facilitation - BC Cancer - Vancouver

Leader Biosafety Research Office of Research Facilitation
BC Cancer
Vancouver, BC

Reporting to the Director, Office of Research Facilitation, BC Cancer Agency Research Centres (BCCRC), the Leader, Biosafety Research is responsible for the effective coordination of biosafety programs within the BCCA research sites. Key responsibilities of this role center on leadership in safety pertaining to biocontainment and biosafety, chemical and cytotoxics safety, occupational health, infection control, and emergency response networks. The Leader plays a key role with the Director, ORF, Research Executive and Laboratory Managers, in promoting a culture of safety, management and delivery of safety training, strategic planning activities, and development of projects within the Research Centres relating to workplace safety, patient safety and emergency response.

What you'll do

• Responsible for the development and management of all aspects of laboratory and clinical research-related safety issues, including biological safety, chemical safety, emergency preparedness, and occupational health and safety issues at all research sites.
• Develop and audit the effectiveness of biosafety, chemical safety and emergency planning programs by performing inspections, investigating reports of non-compliance and tracking trends of incidents through the Incident Database. Liaise with Protection Services and Facilities to coordinate emergency drills such as building evacuation and emergency code exercises and amends future processes as appropriate.
• Identify training needs, develops and implements biosafety and chemical safety training programs, such as general biosafety, chemical and cytotoxics safety, emergency management planning, biological safety cabinet use, animal biosafety and new worker orientation. Prepare written tests, use certificate of completion and perform follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
• Liaise with and assists the PHSA Employee Wellness and Safety Department with the development, implementation and monitoring of health surveillance programs. Identify health surveillance issues such as air quality and hazardous substances monitoring and works with EW&S with testing, follow-up and implementation of resolutions.
• Undertake risk assessments when required and recommends risk mitigation strategies by developing recommendations for procedural and/or physical laboratory modifications.
• Inspect facilities and operational practices to ensure compliance to the safety programs, legislative and regulatory requirements. Develop and write operational manuals and emergency response plans for the Biosafety/Biocontainment, Chemical/Cytotoxic and Emergency Management Programs and emergency response for suspicious incidents, including chain of custody.
• Provide support and information for facilities planning through development of operational and strategic planning. In addition, provide project safety management for new construction of laboratories and renovations.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry or a related field
• Five (5) years of recent, related experience including leadership experience functioning at senior level in one or more fields of laboratory operations, laboratory administration, emergency response management, project management, biosafety, biosecurity and biocontainment.
• Experience working in and/or design of Biocontainment Level 3 facilities is an asset. If not already designated, registration as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional will be expected.

You have:

• Keen awareness of legislation governing biosafety practice. In depth knowledge of regulatory policies, legislation, and processes relevant to research in BC.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to apply knowledge in practice.
• Ability to set and accomplish objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a leadership team.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with all levels of staff.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead staff.
• Strong computer skills, including financial applications, spreadsheet programs and word processing software required.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That's why we're focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.

• Join one of BC's largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until August 29, 2025)

Salary: $74,618 - $107,264/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate's relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation

Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday; 0900-1630

Requisition Number: 171178E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

( PHSA ) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people - Be compassionate - Dare to innovate - Cultivate partnerships - Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments' unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey-one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of August 26, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday - Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.