Public Health Lead Biosafety and Biohazard Containment, Microbiology - BCCDC Labs

 

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services

Shape the Future of Health Care in Beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Lead, Biosafety and Biohazard Containment (BBC) leads the BBC Program by providing technical consultation on compliance and regulatory requirements for public health laboratories.  The Lead instructs and trains staff and partners on biosafety and biosecurity processes and protocols.  The Lead partners with Laboratory leadership to manage the technical, operational and quality management systems of the Containment Level 3 (CL3 programs). The Lead helps develop and supports the safe operation of the provincial CL3 and all Containment Level 2 laboratories, including the extensive education and training components. The Lead develops, coordinates, establishes, evaluates and helps administer the Biosafety Program including obtaining necessary Health Canada, as well as provincial and international, accreditation, certification or other mandated requirements, and provides internal (all BCCDC PHL Programs) and external leadership in biological and laboratory safety to other laboratories in the province in addition to other individuals or organizations such as Public Health. The Lead builds relationships with provincial, territorial and federal partners to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.

 

What you’ll do

 

1. Maintains and sustains safety compliance of facilities with regulatory requirements and best practices including Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Containment Standards by ensuring all public health laboratory personnel are adequately trained in and knowledgeable in procedure and processes for safe handling of risk group 2 and 3 pathogens by working in conjunction with Team Leads to implement any regulatory and best practice changes.
2. Coordinates the day to day biosecurity and biosafety work activities to ensure technical resources meet operational and response level requirements in all containment laboratories, according to operational guidelines, policies and procedures.  Ensures these policies and procedures are followed at all times. Provides leadership to technical and clerical staff on practice and operational issues through problem resolution.
3. Develops training protocols and/or instruction material for all BCCDC PHL programs in biological safety-related areas such as WHMIS, TDG, fire safety, chemical and biological spill responses, biological safety cabinet use and radioisotope safety for all lab staff. Evaluates training requirements and liaises with management and supervisory personnel to coordinate introduction of new skills/procedures including leading annual refresher training and updates as needed.
4. Provides guidance regarding safe handling, storage and disposal of infectious agents and biological materials to all public health laboratory personnel. Coordinates responses to laboratory systems failures with building maintenance personnel.
5. Acts as a representative and liaison to coordinate the BCCDC PHL response in a Bioterrorism (BT) or biological hazard event, participating in Health Canada’s Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) for Risk Group 4 pathogens, and participating in Ministry of Health, PHSA and BCCDC Emergency Operations Command Centers as required by providing biosafety and biohazard laboratory information and input to public health emergencies.
6. Assists the Public Health Laboratory Director, the Provincial Health Officer and other public health policy makers, in formulating and applying policies and procedures required for compliance with municipal, federal, provincial and other regulations such as Worksafe BC, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP), College of American Pathologists (CAP).
7. Participates in the planning and training of personnel on biosafety practices and procedures by developing material, arranging for in-services and implementing training sessions to ensure consistent practices. Promotes continuous learning among staff by identifying learning opportunities such as workshops, conferences, articles, textbooks and other resources. Oversees biosafety risk assessments and recommends appropriate containment level and procedural modifications when required. Evaluates and monitors a comprehensive waste disposal program, including the management of infectious waste.
8. Coordinates the health surveillance program where required, e.g. TB screening, CL3 mandatory surveillance by identifying indicators and test frequencies. Coordinates audits of the laboratory safety program by monitoring indicators, identifying issues, recommending changes, and drafting action plans to address deficiencies. Liaises with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to coordinate applications for export and import of Human Pathogens permits.
9. Provides first point of contact for biosafety emergencies (accidental spills, personnel contamination, CL3 issues), including on call for provincial and national emergencies. Ensures best practices, and coordinates the implementation of emergency procedures for biohazardous incidents (spills, equipment failure, etc.).
10. Participates in developing operational guidelines, policies and procedures to ensure that the standards for quality are maintained, related to the biocontainment program. In conjunction with the Team Leads, develops and monitors workload and performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the departmental operations.
11. Coordinates the annual performance verification and systems testing of the Containment level 3 (CL3) laboratories in order to maintain certification by PHAC and CFIA by reviewing existing materials and procedures, determining time frames for reviews, facilitating meetings, and coordinating with Team Lead and other team members as required to obtain input. Leads the development and implement of emergency response plans for CL3.
12. Assists the Team Leads with budget preparation by collecting and collating data and provides input into establishing priorities within the program; monitors labor and non-labor costs to ensure that expenditures are within the assigned budget.
13. Coordinates biological material transfer agreements between Laboratories and outside facilities and colleagues requesting biological material from BCCDC PHL.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

What you bring

 

Qualifications

• Successful completion of recognized competency assessment exam, registration in the fields of Cytogenetics & Molecular Diagnostics in accordance with the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) pathways or current registration with the  Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) as a Clinical Genetics Technologist OR Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or related biological science relevant to the assigned section plus minimum of five (5) years of recent, related experience, including two (2) years of experience providing training and coaching or an equivalent combination of education, training and recent related experience.
• Training in biological safety.
• Transport of Dangerous Goods (6.2) training.
• Field of Practice: Microbiology

• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Provincial Lab Medicine Service contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and  how they intersect across the health care system

Core Competencies 

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic. 
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). 

Skills & Knowledge

 

• Demonstrated current knowledge of containment level 3 programs and applicable statutes,    Regulations and guidelines, e.g. Worksafe BC, municipal fire code, federal Biosafety guidelines, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Transport of Dangerous Goods, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency response procedures including fire, earthquake, chemical or biological spills and personal protective equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and provide instruction and guidance to staff.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and community health care partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated planning, organizational, leadership and supervisory skills.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Computer skills including working knowledge of Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and familiarity with internet resources.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.

• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.  
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. 

 

What we bring 

 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.  

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees. 
• Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more. 
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources. 
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement. 
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position). 

Job Type: Temporary Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
Wage: $38.08 - $47.55 / Hour
Location: This position supports a Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)site and is located at 655 West 12th Avenue, BC Centre for Disease Control

Hours of Work: 0800-1600/0830-1630/0900-1700 or other hours as needed
Requisition #194607E

 

Make BC Your Home if it isn't already – and PHSA your employer of choice!

 

Ready to combine an exciting career with an unmatched lifestyle? Shape the future of patient care in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Apply today and start your next chapter in British Columbia if you haven't already!

 

Should you be interested please apply online or contact shaesta.rajabali@phsa.ca to learn more!

 

What we do  

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province.

  

PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous. 

 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services 

 

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. 

 

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.
 

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents  including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. 

 

Attention current employees of PHSA:  

 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. 

 

The internal job posting expires on February 17, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. 

 

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.  

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.