BME Lab Technician and Safety Coordinator

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

7d•CA$66,380 - CA$82,975•Onsite

About The Position

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Lab Technician and Safety Coordinator is accountable to the Lab Director in Systems Design Engineering and serves as the main department staff position to support biomedical tissue and cell research labs as well as support safety across the entire department. The incumbent provides technical oversight for safe operations of "wet labs" including creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures, experimental set-up, and maintenance of research equipment. Additional support with documentation and reporting, management of shared laboratory space, guidance of graduate students, as well as help with managing day-to-day lab operations (proper storage of chemicals, ordering supplies, scheduling equipment). Under direction of the Lab Director, the BME Lab Technician and Safety Coordinator implements the department health and safety program. Duties include liaising with the university Safety Office on behalf of the department safety coordinator, performing termly and annual lab and space inspections under the oversight of the lab director, identifying areas for improvement, arranging for deficiencies to be corrected, promoting a culture of safety through education, and ensuring compliance with university policies, legislative requirements, and best practices. In this role, they provide support for and feedback on short- and long-term operational planning for all parts of the department mission with a keen eye towards safety and lab facilities.

Requirements

Completion of a undergraduate degree combined with relevant experience in an appropriate Engineering or Science discipline(s)
Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) training is necessary
Experience designing and performing experiments in “wet lab” settings with tissues and cells.
Proven ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in the development of improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methodology. A background in researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques is highly advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to oversee complex, diverse multi-faceted technical environment required for biomedical specialized lab settings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs.
Knowledge of the tissue and cell laboratories in Biomedical Engineering would be a strong asset.
Must have knowledge and training in safety and good laboratory practices related to biomedical engineering “wet lab” context/environment including knowledge of Canadian Biosafety Standard, and experience working in CL1 and CL2 laboratories
Must have excellent and demonstrable oral and written communication skills, including strong technical documentation and presentation/facilitation skills.
Must be able to work both with significant autonomy and as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, research, organizational, and creative problem-solving skills.
Keen attention to detail and organization
Knowledgeable of and skilled in BME laboratory techniques (cell and tissue culture, microbiology, biochemical and microbiological techniques, pipetting, microscopy, etc.)
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Nice To Haves

A specialization in biomedical engineering is desired
A current First-Aid certificate would be an asset.
Experience in educational settings with trainees would be an asset
Previous experience as a safety officer would be an asset

Responsibilities

Coordination of the overall operation of the biomedical engineering research facilities in alignment with the objectives of Systems Design Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Waterloo.
Liaises with external vendors, suppliers, and technical service providers for the procurement, maintenance, and support of lab equipment.
Implements policies, standards and procedures for technical work performed in the BME laboratories.
Ensures that all Systems Design Engineering department spaces including but not limited to teaching and research laboratories meet or exceed technical, professional and safety standards in compliance with licensing authority, legislative requirements, and University policy/procedure.
Ensures that BME research laboratories practices, procedures, and environments are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain a safe and compliant operating environment.
Provides guidance to undergraduate and graduate students performing experiments for class or research.
Implements the department’s health and safety program as directed by the lab director with a keen focus on laboratories.
Ensures compliance with university policies, legislative requirements, and best practices regarding safety.
Develops, maintains, and monitors safety documentation (safety data sheets, standard operating procedures, training records, inspection reports, etc.).
Conducts and/or coordinates regular laboratory inspections and hazard assessments.
Performs regular workplace inspections to identify environmental health and safety issues, deficiencies, and hazards, and ensures that the issue, deficiency, or hazard is resolved.
Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks through hazard analysis and regular review of lab activities.
Provides and/or facilitates guidance and training to faculty, staff, and students on safe laboratory practices.
Supports space usage during renovations and alternations
Supports BME lab instructors in preparing and setting up lab course activities
Participates in incident investigations and ensures appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
Maintains SYDE safety website, and safety boards
Acts as a liaison with the University of Waterloo Safety Office
Report facility needs and status to the Systems Design Engineering leadership team for their short and long-term strategic planning.
Coordinates certification as well as decommissioning of all BME laboratories
Promotes efficient and coordinated use of laboratory space, equipment, and resources across all research activities.
Leads continual improvement of laboratory operations, procedures, and systems in Systems Design Engineering to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
Maintains advanced proficiency and knowledge through ongoing professional development, including seminars, conferences, and short courses.
Consults with faculty and graduate students to serve their research activities, including equipment selection, setup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Participates in special projects (e.g. curriculum development, faculty-wide initiatives, special reports, etc.) as assigned by the Lab Director, Administrative Officer and/or Departmental Chair.