BIOSAFETY OFFICER / RESEARCH SCIENTIST

The Research and Productivity Council (RPC) is NB’s provincial research organization, a research & technology organization that provides analytical and applied research services. In business since 1962, we serve over 1000 clients annually from our locations in Fredericton and Moncton, New Brunswick.

We are recruiting to fill a position for a Biosafety Officer / Research Scientist who will work out of our Fredericton location and report to the Director of Applied and Experimental Bioscience (AEB).

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

RPC is seeking a versatile, scientifically grounded, and skilled Biosafety Officer / Research Scientist to strengthen our biosafety, occupational health and safety, and research operations. This hybrid role integrates biosafety leadership, hands-on laboratory research, and organizational safety support to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient scientific work across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a curious, solutions-oriented problem solver who moves swiftly and comfortably between policy, practice, and people, from advising on biosafety requirements to supporting researchers at the bench. They are adaptable, collaborative, and equally effective working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The role is in-office, based in Fredericton, NB.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Biosafety

the Biosafety Officer / Research Scientist will lead RPC’s biosafety and biosecurity programs, including:

  • Maintaining biosafety policies, SOPs, risk assessments, and licenses.

  • Ensuring compliance with PHAC, CFIA, WHMIS, and other regulatory frameworks.

  • Coordinating biosafety inspections, audits, and corrective actions.

  • Supporting permit applications, renewals, and biosafety documentation.

  • Mentor and develop the Junior Biosafety Officer, providing guidance and hands-on training across all   biosafety program activities.

Occupational Health and Safety

In collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator, the successful candidate will support RPC’s occupational health and safety program:

  • Assisting with chemical safety, waste management, spill response readiness, and PPE programs.

  • Supporting maintenance and certification of safety equipment (eyewash stations, showers, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods).

  • Contributing to incident investigations and root-cause analyses.

Research Support

  • Providing hands-on laboratory support to research teams (sample preparation, routine assays, equipment setup, experimental design, and validation).

  • Assisting with method development, troubleshooting, and quality-system documentation.

  • Supporting onboarding and training new staff and students in safe laboratory practices.

Training & Culture Building

  • Assisting with the development and delivery of biosafety and occupational safety training for employees, students, and visitors.

  • Promoting a proactive, positive, and accountable biosafety/safety culture across RPC.

  • Serving as a knowledgeable, approachable resource for biosafety, safety, and laboratory operations questions.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience working in biosafety, laboratory safety, or research operations in an academic, government, or industrial setting.

  • Experience and knowledge of biocontainment level 2 (aquatic and human) practices.

  • Expert knowledge of Canadian biosafety standards, WHMIS, PHAC, CFIA, and related regulatory frameworks.

  • Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate across diverse teams.

  • Comfort with public speaking and delivering training, both on biosafety/safety and research topics.

  • Ability to work confidently at both the policy level and the bench.

  • Bilingualism considered an asset

Hours of work are 8:15 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.  RPC offers a generous employee benefit plan including a defined benefit pension plan, Top Up for Maternity Leave, Wellness rebates, paid leave, and more.

TO APPLY:

To apply please send your cover letter and resume to careers@rpc.ca referencing competition #BO0526 on or before June 8, 2026.



Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and will proceed until a suitable candidate is identified. Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

RPC is committed to the principles of employment equity and diversity.

Interested in applying?
Submit your résumé today!

SEND RÉSUMÉ