Research Assistant 3/Laboratory Operations and Safety Coordinator (LOSC)

About the GSC
Advancing Genomics Technologies for Health and Life Sciences

The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC), a provincial program within the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is a recognized international leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome technology innovation. By developing and deploying cutting-edge sequencing and computational platforms, the GSC supports breakthrough research across cancer, rare and infectious diseases, and the broader life sciences. Our work enables earlier diagnosis, novel therapeutic approaches, and transformative applications of genomics to improve human health and environmental resilience—delivering both social and economic impact through science.

Job Reference No.: RA3_R00005_202264_LabOps_2026_07_30

Position Summary

The activities required in this role are conducted in accordance with the strategic directions of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and the Genome Sciences Centre (GSC). Reporting to the Lab Operations Team Leader, the LOSC supports the day-to-day operations of the GSC’s facility, including the wet lab as well as the office areas.  In addition, they act as the designated safety resource and coordinator for the GSC and its constituents, and are responsible for supporting and coordinating various safety aspects of the GSC’s Production and clinical DNA sequencing operations. This includes both dry and wet lab personnel. To accomplish this, the LOSC interacts with virtually all department personnel to promote compliance with established safety requirements, support safety initiatives, and assist in maintaining a culture of safety engagement.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. In conjunction with the Operations team, supports various tasks related to safety, equipment, space planning, and facilities in order to ensure smooth function of wet and dry lab and administrative operations.
2. Supports compliance activities related to existing CAP (College of American Pathologist), ISO27001 (International Organization for Standardization), and DAP (Diagnostic Accreditation Program) safety regulations; Assists with implementing safety procedures, maintaining documentation, communicating requirements to stakeholders, and supporting accreditation audits as required.
3. Works with the Quality Systems group to regularly review and update the departmental safety manual; communicates changes in safety policies to relevant personnel.
4. Engages in regular safety education activities to re-enforce policies and procedures to department personnel; works with the newsletter team to maintain regular content in the GSC newsletter; conducts regular safety education on relevant topics; coordinates regular seminars by external groups to provide professional education.
5. Chairs the Echelon Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (EJOHSC), tracks action items and activities prescribed by the JOHS committees; and supports committee activities and operational safety meetings.
6. High degree of familiarity with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), WorkSafeBC and WHMIS regulations and knowledgeably applies them to both dry and wet lab space; Participates in compliance audits and provides guidance and resources to personnel regarding regulatory requirements.
7. Participates in and documents both casual and formal safety inspections; documents safety concerns, consults with stakeholders and escalates issues requiring corrective action to appropriate leaders.
8. Works with department personnel to address ergonomic issues; guides personnel through established ergonomics process; and coordinates with PHSA Ergonomists to devise, implement and monitor corrective actions.
9. Manages all safety-related training requirements; monitors compliance in maintaining certification; ensures that all safety training is documented promptly and accurately; communicates with personnel who are delinquent with safety training.
10. Oversees hazardous waste disposal; works with wet lab staff to determine safe disposal procedures; manages administrative aspects of invoicing and collection; maintains records of service; ensures compliance with accreditation and legal requirements.
11. Conducts incident and near-miss investigations in collaboration with supervisor and other stakeholders; guides personnel through the reporting process, and implements corrective actions; consults with stakeholders and JOHS committees regarding incidents.
12. Monitors wet labs for chemical inventories and compatibilities; performs regular analyses and chemical risk assessments; maintains SDS database and ensures availability of SDS to wet lab staff.
13. Works collaboratively with the Quality Systems teams to create, implement, and document safety procedures and SOPs.
14. Keeps themselves apprised of proposed and actual changes to laws, regulations, and policies put forward by the PHAC, WorkSafeBC, CAP, and DAP; engages GSC stakeholders on these changes; works to implement changes as required.
15. Participates in external conferences, working groups, and meetings as required to represent the GSC; maintains professional relationships in order to guide best practices and share information.
16. Provides and documents safety orientations for incoming personnel, and assists with various onboarding activities for new staff.
17. Oversees the First Aid program.
18. Participates in emergency on-call rotations.
19. Supports the departmental Incident Management Team (IMT) by maintaining documentation, coordinating meetings, and assisting with emergency preparedness activities and drills. Maintains, procures, and distributes personal protective equipment and safety equipment for laboratory staff.
20. Provides operational support to the various GSC teams, including assisting with departmental administrative and coordination activities, and providing backup coverage for critical operational functions as required.
21. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor of Science from a recognized college, plus a minimum of 3 (three) years of recent related experience in a research role.
• Experience in laboratory safety management is required, with demonstrated familiarity with PHAC and WorkSafeBC regulations.
• Applicants should have strong capabilities in Microsoft Access and Excel, with a high aptitude for self-learning of new technical skills.  Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.
  Relevant experience in a clinically- or ISO-accredited environment is desirable, but not required.

Benefits:

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 in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes statutory benefits – Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the PHSA group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, 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).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: 
Regular Full-Time, 7.5 hrs. per day

100% onsite

Salary Range: 
$63,484 to $91,259 p.a.

Note: The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan and grant fund availability.

Higher salary offers above the midpoint range require additional review and approval.

Apply:

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using Job Reference No.: RA3_R00005_202264_LabOps_2026_07_30 in the subject line of your email.

While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Important!

COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations.

Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.

We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.

We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.