Laboratory Safety and University Biosafety Specialist

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

Reporting to the Manager of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the incumbent is an integral member of the EHS team, providing expert scientific and technical input on specialized topics, and managing a high volume and variety of work. The Laboratory and Biosafety Specialist is embedded in the Faculty of Science and Technology, where a majority of their work is focused; the key responsibilities of the role are, however, exercised University-wide. 

The Laboratory and University Biosafety Specialist actively promotes a culture of safety, including the implementation and enforcement of Laboratory Safety, Biosafety, and Hazardous Waste Programs and has the demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently with minimal supervision, organize, and coordinate. They actively promote a culture of safety, including the implementation and enforcement of Laboratory Safety, Biosafety, and Hazardous Waste Programs.  They are able to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and sensitivity, to exhibit flexibility, and to anticipate and adapt to shifting priorities. The Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Specialist must be able to exercise good judgement when handling and responding to information requests from internal and external stakeholders; they must be able to obtain security clearances related to legislative requirements involving laboratory activities. On occasion, and in addition to the regular work schedule, the Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Specialist may be required to be available for after-hours callout, in the event of an emergency.

This is a full-time replacement term position working 35 hours per week and ending December 20, 2024.

Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Programs

• Develop and improve the Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Programs so that they protect the health and safety of laboratory personnel and meet or exceed federal and provincial legislative requirements or industry standards.
• Oversee and participate in the development of plans, standards, procedures, and protocols as they relate to laboratory safety and biosafety. Create ancillary documents that support these activities (e.g. checklists and/or process guides).
• Oversee the maintenance of recordkeeping, including training records, permitting, compliance, and related records.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise for the Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Programs.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of management systems integral to the Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Programs, including inventory management, hazard assessment and control, training, inspection, and incident investigation.
• Interpret legislative requirements and integrate changes into University operations.
• Identify and problem-solve non-compliance relating to laboratory safety and biosafety, and develop action plans to ensure continual improvement.
• Support training and orientation by coordinating and/or providing laboratory safety and biosafety training to laboratory and non-laboratory personnel (including contractors).
• Ensure maintenance of the University’s hazardous materials and chemical inventory system (CHEMATIX), and accessibility of SDS in accordance with legislation. Provide training to laboratory technologists, and other faculty and staff, as required
• to ensure CHEMATIX information is up-to-date.

Hazardous and Laboratory Waste

• Manage the administrative and operational duties of the Hazardous Waste Program, including all laboratory waste requiring specialized disposal (i.e. not via municipal waste streams).
• Coordinate the collection of waste from laboratories and similar spaces across the University.
• Ensure hazardous and laboratory waste is properly classified, appropriately segregated, pre-treated/processed, and correctly packaged and stored for disposal.
• Oversee the disposal of hazardous and laboratory waste according to the appropriate municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

Laboratory Inspection and Incident Investigation

• Conduct and report on laboratory inspections or audits of a specialized scientific and technical nature to determine whether facilities meet operational requirements.
• Lead incident investigations related to laboratory activities, identifying causal factors, and corrective actions.
• Evaluate findings from inspections, audits, and investigations to develop proposals, in consultation and collaboration with EHS and stakeholders that lead to improved safety and increased compliance.

Environmental Health and Safety Department

• Act as liaison between the University and relevant external agencies on matters related to laboratory safety and biosafety.

• Minimum completion of a University Bachelor degree in Scientific Field of Study and Work or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 - 8 years of related work experience.
• Minimum of five years safety-related experience in a laboratory environment, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience with occupational health and safety audit processes and techniques, e.g. inspection, hazard identification, assessment, and control.
• Experience drafting and writing program documents including plans, standards, procedures, and protocols as it relates to laboratory safety and biosafety.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for prolonged periods of time, to lift or carry up to 50 pounds, and the capability to wear respiratory protection.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and ability to positively, collaboratively, and constructively work with and support all levels of the University and external regulatory and other agencies.
• Professional designation such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or eligibility and willingness to pursue such a designation.
• Minimum class 5 driver’s license and ability to obtain any relevant security clearances.
• Expert knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and standards as it relates to federal and provincial legislation applicable to laboratory safety.
• Expert knowledge of biosafety/biosecurity legislation and standards as it relates to federal and provincial legislation applicable to biosafety.

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

Salary:                            $42.11 - $53.28 per hour

Closing Date:                 March 29, 2024

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently eligible to work in Canada will be given priority.

Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus.  Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp .