Officer - Biosafety, Radiation Safety

Role Overview

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

Role Purpose

To establish and maintain a safe working environment for all research staff, visitors, and the broader community by creating, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive biosafety, radiation safety, chemical safety, and laser safety policies and programs across research laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Health & Safety Management

• Ensure a safe working environment for all research staff and visitors, including cleaners and maintenance personnel.
• Design, develop, and implement environmental health and safety policies including workplace safety, radiation safety, and laser safety.
• Act as Biosafety lead expert within Sidra and oversee overall Biosafety Management in research laboratories.
• Act in the capacity of Radiation and Laser Safety Officer.
• Develop and maintain departmental safety website.
• Develop and implement comprehensive biosafety, chemical safety, radiation, and laser programs designed to provide appropriate protection and compliance for researchers, students, employees, and the local community.

Policy & Procedure Development

• Develop policies and procedures that govern the use and disposal of bio-hazardous, chemical, and radioactive materials according to relevant regulations and accepted safety practices.
• Make recommendations to relevant research leaders regarding safety protocols and policies.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for using hazardous and other laboratory materials as required.
• Educate researchers on policies and procedures governing hazardous materials.

Training & Education

• Develop and deliver training to all laboratory workers involved with the use of hazardous materials, gases, and other areas as required.
• Develop and implement the Blood borne Pathogens program for all segments of the Sidra community.
• Provide technical safety reviews and advice to researchers, staff, and students.

Audit, Inspection & Compliance

• Develop and implement audit and inspection programs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive interdisciplinary lab audit program covering Fire Safety, Industrial Hygiene/Safety, Laboratory/Research Safety, and Waste Management.
• Assist with and perform evaluations of workplace practices, occupational hazards, and occupational exposure in research areas.
• Recommend strategies to control and mitigate potential health or safety problems in research areas and initiate appropriate follow-up.
• Provide institutional and regulatory reviews of Institutional Biosafety Committee research protocols.

Emergency & Incident Management

• Facilitate and coordinate emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery activities related to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials.
• Develop and formalize accident and incident investigation, documentation, and reporting procedures.
• Follow up on all accidents, investigate cause, evaluate effects, and recommend mitigation.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Coordination

• Lead and collaborate with other committee members on the clinical environmental health and safety program.
• Interface with government agencies including Civil Defense and Ministry of the Environment.
• Interface with internal Research stakeholders, Principal Investigators, Chiefs, and end users.
• Coordinate with Sidra Corporate Safety Department, Facilities, and other functions as needed.
• Interface with the Internal Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
• Work with Research Operations team members and Director to implement safety protocols for imported human and animal samples.
• Embrace a hands-on and highly engaged customer service orientation toward researchers and work with them to find practical and feasible solutions to biosafety issues.
• Assist and work individually with researchers and staff to develop, implement, and maintain safety practices for each research unit tailored to fit the hazards and needs of each unit.

Budget & Systems Management

• Develop the Research Safety budget and coordinate relevant spend according to departmental and institutional procedures.
• Develop and implement new systems, such as electronic systems, for biosafety management to help automate tasks and facilitate the work of researchers.
• Take on additional tasks in laboratory management, such as management of gases, as required by line manager.

Governance & Compliance

• Adhere to Sidra's standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies.
• Adhere to and promote Sidra's Values.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field plus basic safety qualification.
• 5+ years of experience in biosafety and radiation safety within a complex research laboratory or hospital environment.
• Experience working in health and safety management within a research environment.

Preferred

• Master's Degree or PhD in related Biomedical Sciences or in Safety.
• 7+ years of management experience in biosafety and radiation safety within a complex research laboratory or hospital environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated extensive practical knowledge of health and safety.
• Demonstrated basic scientific knowledge.
• Demonstrated independent problem solving and safety implementation experience.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills at all levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Additional Information

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