Assistant Biosafety Officer

120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E3 full-time . June 27, 2025 Description The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals. Position Summary The Assistant Biosafety Officer will report directly to the VIDO Biosafety Officer and will join the VIDO Biosafety Team in implementing the biosafety program for the Containment Level 3 facility. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the VIDO Biosafety Officer and Associate Biosafety Officers. As competencies develop, the scope of responsibilities will increase. Profile We Are Looking For a Highly Motivated And Enthusiastic Individual With The Following Competencies And Experience To Assist With The Day-to-day Tasks Arising For The VIDO Biosafety Team Including

• Assist with inspections in InterVac CL2 labs and CL3 labs to ensure facility containment and operational practices meet requirements as listed in the current Canadian Biosafety Standard.
• Assist with inventory audits of Risk Group 3 pathogens stored in CL3 labs.
• Review the InterVac Biosafety Manual annually and make recommendations for revisions.
• Plan and support biosafety training, respirator training, lab orientation, local risk assessments, and emergency response training, including printing manuals, filing and record keeping.
• Coordinate and participate in annual autoclave cycle validation with the CL3 lab manager.
• Prepare for area and equipment decontamination using vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
• Assist in filing and maintaining records related to VIDO CL3 biosafety processes (inspection checklists, training records, equipment and systems test reports).
• Assist the CL3 lab manager with PPE supply for CL3 labs.
• Assist with CL2 andCL3 lab equipment maintenance.
• Undertake other duties as delegated in support of VIDO.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences.
• Ability to undergo and maintain a favorable background check and Public Health Agency of Canada (HPTA) Security Clearance.
• Three to five years of experience in a research, teaching or diagnostic laboratory in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, genetics, public health or related field with a good understanding of scientific principles and practices.
• Experience working in a biocontainment facility at containment level 2.
• Willingness to learn and stay current in the rapidly advancing field of biosafety, biocontainment and biosecurity.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment including a positive air purifying respirator or a negative air purifying respirator.
• Ability to work in many and varied conditions, including containment level 3 areas where risk group 3 human pathogens are handled and stored. This will include taking a body shower upon exit from the labs.
• Participation in the established medical surveillance plan is required.
• Experience in the application of biological safety principles and practices.
• Working knowledge of Windows- or Mac-based software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively with administrative staff, researchers, facility operations and maintenance personnel, lab technicians, clinical veterinarians, animal technicians, external contractors, administrators, university, civic, provincial and federal government regulators, etc.

Status: Permanent Employment Group: Non-Union Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week); may be requirement for responding to emergencies outside of regular business hours Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 Salary Range: $53,091 - $68,022 The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes Education/Credential Verification: Yes Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter and CV online. Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information visit: vido.org Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.