Senior Specialist Biosafety and Biosecurity

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

The Senior Specialist (Biosafety and Biosecurity) is responsible for providing strategic advice and guidance, enabling consultation, liaising, and working with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, to ensure the University meets all legislative requirements for health and safety.

This position provides expertise and strategic guidance to managers in preventing and responding to complex health and safety issues in relation to biosafety and biosecurity.  The position has a high level of focus on delivering quality customer service to clients, providing advice to their customers, negotiating, and influencing services and solutions. They will work collaboratively across the Business Partners and the respective client area to help solve complex strategic and operational Safety problems for their customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice, analysis, interpretation, recommendations and/or decisions on a full range of health and safety data, policy, and related legislative issues to clients.
• Participate in the University Biosafety Committee (UBC) technical review panel in relation to specific legislative health and safety requirements, including reviewing and providing advice on licence applications and licence conditions.
• Provide support to the Senior HSW Managers and related committees, networks and groups
• Proactively lead, identify, implement and/or manage initiatives/projects for clients, including policy review, processes and standards and educational support services to clients, including the development of operating procedures for key pieces of instruments and instruction and advice on the development of risk assessments.
• Proactively work with the clients in the application of import permits and contribute to the maintenance of records of biological activities, including Genetically Modified Organism dealings occurring throughout Griffith University
• Build effective professional relationships and facilitate effective communication with clients and external stakeholders.
• Lead and coordinate work-related investigations and risk management processes as directed by management, as well as incidents/accidents/near misses relating to biosafety and biosecurity matters. Provide advice on appropriate corrective action and control measures, and early intervention services
• Lead and promote compliance with relevant legislation and University policies and procedures. Provide advice in relation to contract management of biological safety pertaining to Biosafety and Biosecurity. Conduct regular audits and facilitate ongoing certification of laboratories and facilities where biological activities are occurring, whilst continuously identifying, assessing and controlling risk.
• Work with the Senior Specialist team to ensure that biological, radiation, chemical and occupational hygiene and health support services are maintained at all times, ensuring shared understanding of roles to maintain continuity of compliance during times of absence.
• Ensure continuous knowledge and development of skills through the coordination and attendance, if required, at conferences, displays and presentations for special purposes relating to Biosafety and Biosecurity.
• Liaise with relevant Federal, State and Local Government departments regarding statutory obligations for biosafety and biosecurity matters in consultation with clients, other stakeholders and the Head of H&S.
• Provide advice on the transport, storage and disposal of biological waste, including clinical and related waste, in line with legislation and assist clients with all reported issues and/or concerns.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold a relevant degree and postgraduate qualifications and subsequent relevant experience in biosafety and biosecurity, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer

This is a continuing opportunity based at our Gold Coast campus.  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other campuses.

Salary is HEW 8 - $113,713 - $127,923 per annum + 17% super. Total remuneration package range - $133,044 - $149,670.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Opportunities for internal mobility
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

How to apply

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on 

For further information about this role, please contact Jamie Mills, Senior Health and Safety Manager, Science & DVCR on 

Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 5 October. All applications must be submitted online.