Biological Safety Officer

Reporting to the APL Safety Lead, the Biosafety Officer (BSO) is responsible for managing and maintaining APL's biosafety and biosecurity program. Key responsibilities include developing policies, implementing programs, and monitoring compliance. The BSO conducts various risk assessments—including overarching, biosecurity, local, and pathogen-specific—as well as internal and external inspections and audits. This role oversees biosafety and biosecurity-related training, supports health and safety training, assists with incident investigations, and prepares documentation and reports required by regulatory agencies.

The BSO also serves as a liaison with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), containment zone personnel, environmental services staff, and contractors on biosafety matters. Additionally, the position supports continuous program improvement and provides preliminary occupational hygiene services, ergonomic assessments, fit testing, and other health and safety evaluations. The BSO also contributes to incident management and health and safety document control.

Completion of a two-year post-secondary program in safety, biological safety, microbiology or a related field. Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or Technician (CRST) designation, or eligible to apply for certification with a commitment to complete requirements within three (3) years.

One (1) year of recent (within the last 5 years) experience working in microbiology, biosafety, biosecurity or a related field. Minimum one (1) year of recent (within the last 5 years) experience working in Occupational Health & Safety or a related field.

Recent (in the last 5 years) experience with accreditation or inspections. Three (3) years' experience within the last five (5) working in a clinical laboratory setting, ideally in an organization of significant size, complexity, and diversity. Process Improvement Certification. (e.g. AIW Green Belt). Change Management certification (e.g. ProSCI). Project Management certification.