Officer - Biosafety, Radiation Safety

The Officer - Biosafety, Radiation Safety develops plans and manages the operational implementation of the health and safety aspects of research laboratories on an ongoing basis. 

• Ensures a safe working environment for all research staff and visitors (including cleaners, maintenance etc.) creating and implementing environmental health and safety policies including workplace safety, radiation safety and laser safety.

• Develops the Research Safety budget and coordinates relevant spend according to departmental and institutional procedures.

• Acts as Biosafety lead expert within Sidra and is responsible for overall Biosafety Management in the research laboratories.

• Designs, develops and implements environmental health and safety policies including workplace safety, radiation safety and laser safety.

• Makes recommendations to relevant research leaders regarding safety protocols and policies.

• Acts in the capacity of Radiation and Laser Safety Officer.

• Develops and maintains departmental safety website.

• Leads and collaborates with other committee members on the clinical environmental health and safety program.

• Develops and implements comprehensive biosafety, chemical safety, radiation and laser programs designed to provide appropriate protection and compliance for researchers, students, employees and the local community.

• Develops policies and/or procedures that govern the use and disposal of bio-hazardous chemical and radioactive materials according to the requirements of relevant regulations and accepted safety practices. Educates researchers accordingly.

• Interfaces with the following:

  • Government agencies e.g. Civil Defense, Ministry of the Environment

  • Internal Research stakeholders, PIs, Chiefs, end users

  • Sidra Corporate Safety Department, Facilities and other functions as needed

  • The Internal Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

• Works with Research Operations team members and Director to implement safety protocols for imported human/animal samples.

• Provides institutional and regulatory reviews of Institutional Biosafety Committee research protocols.

• Provides technical safety reviews and advice to researchers, staff and students.

• Develops and delivers training to all laboratory workers involved with the use of hazardous materials, gases and other areas as required.

• Develops and implements the Blood borne Pathogens program for all segments of the Sidra community.

• Develops and implements audit and inspection programs.

• Facilitates and coordinates emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities related to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials.

• Develops and formalizes accident/incident investigation, documentation and reporting procedures and follows-up on all accidents, investigates cause, evaluates effects, and recommends mitigation.

• Assists and works individually with researchers and staff to develop, implement and maintain safety practices for each research unit that will be tailored to fit the hazards and needs of each unit.

• Develops and implements a comprehensive interdisciplinary lab audit program (e.g. Fire Safety, Industrial Hygiene/Safety, Laboratory/Research Safety, Waste Management).

• Assists with and performs evaluations of workplace practices, occupational hazards and occupational exposure in research areas; recommends strategies to control/mitigate potential health or safety problems in research areas and initiates appropriate follow-up.

• Create SOP’s for using hazardous and other laboratory materials as required.

• Embraces a hands-on and highly engaged customer service orientation toward researchers and works with them to find practical and feasible solutions to biosafety issues.

• Develops and implements new systems (e.g. electronic) for biosafety management, to help automate tasks and facilitate the work of researchers

• Takes on additional tasks in laboratory management (e.g. management of gases) as required by line manager.

• Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies.

• Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values.

In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.