Program Officer - Laboratory Operations, Research Facilities

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system - a world where Mental Health is Health.

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Reporting to the Manager of Research Facility Planning and Operations, we are seeking a full-time, contract (18 months) Program Officer - Laboratory Operations, who will support day to day laboratory safety, laboratory operations, and facility related activities across CAMH research laboratories. The Program Officer will work closely with the CAMH Biosafety Officer to help ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, including the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and the Canadian Biosafety Standards. The successful candidate will oversee safe work, storage, and disposal of hazardous biological and chemical agents; conduct routine and scheduled laboratory safety inspections; and provide preventative measures and technical guidance on decontamination techniques and safe disposal of hazardous materials, along with other safety related activities. The Program Officer is expected to stay current on policy updates, regulatory changes, and emerging developments in laboratory safety and hazard control to support ongoing compliance and best practices.

The key responsibilities of the LHS Officer include (but are not limited to):

• Perform day to day laboratory operational support, including routine safety checks, inventory oversight, and coordination of laboratory workflows.
• Assist with biosafety and chemical safety compliance activities under the direction of the Biosafety Officer, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and standards.
• Review and coordinate the approval of the biosafety permit applications and associated SOPs; conduct local risk assessments; validate proposed risk mitigation strategies and provide guidance in developing appropriate risk mitigation measures for new or evolving laboratory procedures.
• Conduct laboratory safety inspections and audits; develop corrective action plans and recommend procedural modifications for unsafe practices or hazardous conditions.
• Update laboratory safety policies, manuals, procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training (online and in-class).
• Deliver and coordinate safety training (e.g., biosafety, chemical safety, bloodborne pathogens).
• Maintain accurate records of internal biosafety permits, certifications, MSDS databases, and inventories of hazardous materials used in research labs.
• Support preventative action planning, emergency response planning, and incident investigations involving hazardous biological or chemical materials, including regulatory biosafety incident reporting.
• Oversee safe work, storage, handling, transport, receipt, and shipment of hazardous or infectious materials in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., TDG, WHMIS 2015).
• Support research equipment across the portfolio by supporting procurement, installation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance, including required inspections.
• Maintain laboratory inventory systems for chemicals, biological materials, safety documentation, and related administrative records.
• Provide guidance on decontamination techniques, safe disposal of hazardous materials, and other safety related best practices.
• Participate in emergency response activities, including documentation, follow up, and implementation of corrective/preventative measures.
• Maintain operations of shared blood processing laboratories and deliver lab orientations.
• Contribute to special projects and operational initiatives related to research facilities and infrastructure.
• Promote a safe, healthy, inclusive, and compliant workplace aligned with CAMH values.
• Perform other laboratory safety and operational tasks as assigned.

• Undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in a research laboratory environment or laboratory operations role.
• Knowledge of biosafety and chemical safety standards (e.g., PHAC, CFIA, OHSA, WHMIS 2015).
• Experience with laboratory inventory systems and laboratory equipment maintenance processes.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, with strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team player in a fast paced research environment.
• Good presentation skills and experience delivering training are considered assets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hiring Salary Range: $63,824.57 - $79,780.71 per year (based on qualifications and experience)
• Full Salary Range: $63,824.57 - $95,736.85 per year (reflecting potential growth within the role)
• CAMH’s Total Rewards: Includes participation in HOOPP defined benefit pension plan, flexible work arrangements, and ongoing professional development support.

This role offers job stability, career development, and the chance to contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives that improve patient and community well-being.