Leader, Research Radiation Safety Vancouver

Leader, Research Radiation Safety

BC Cancer

Vancouver, BC

Reporting to the Director, Office of Research Facilitation, the Leader, Research Radiation Safety (RRS) is responsible for radiation safety at the BC Cancer Research Centre research labs province-wide (currently Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver Cancer Centre and Deeley Research Centre). As well, this position has a direct reporting relationship to the President of the BC Cancer Agency and has a mandate to uphold/enforce compliance on radiation safety issues. The RRS plays a key role with the Director, ORF, Research Executive and Laboratory Managers, in promoting a culture of safety and provides professional expertise in radiation safety. Specifically this role is responsible for the management and delivery of safety training, strategic planning activities, and the development of projects within the Research Centres across the province relating to workplace safety, patient safety and emergency response.

What you'll do

• Responsible for approval and authorization of audit procedures for the use of radioactive materials in the research centres province-wide, and provides input in radiation safety matters relating to facility and equipment design.
• Manage the purchase, use, and disposal of radioactive materials by enforcement of regulations. Ensures minimum thresholds are maintained for the building(s) and manages all radiation issues in cancer research within BC.
• Administer the various licenses issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) by representing the BCCA provincially and acts as a liaison between the BCCA Radiation Safety Committees (BCCRC, VC and DRC).
• Inspect and audits all radiation-emission areas (materials and machines) and enforces compliance with the authority to invoke disciplinary action as necessary. Follows up on gaps in compliance by implementing education and training.
• Establish, implement and maintain the Radiation Protection Program for all research areas (BCCRC, VC [cyclotron/PET] and DRC).
• Serve as a member of the BCCA Emergency Planning Committee and coordinates procedural plans for use in the case of an emergency involving radioactive materials and advises on decontamination procedures. This includes developing and writing operational manuals and emergency response plans.
• Conduct and review regular surveys of radiation and contamination levels. Investigates any overexposures, accidents and losses of radioactive material, and submits reports to the regulatory agencies.
• Undertake risk assessments when required and recommends risk mitigation strategies by developing recommendations for procedural and/or physical laboratory modifications.
• Oversee and delivers an extensive program of appropriate radiation safety training for all research areas within BCCRC/VC/DRC. Programs include Radioactive Materials, X-Ray machines, Teletherapy Irradiator, Cyclotron/PET and MicroPET/CT Lab).

What you bring

Qualifications:

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of recent, related experience; certification at RSO1 level, or as stipulated by the CNSC.
• Leadership experience functioning at senior level in one or more fields of laboratory operations, laboratory administration, emergency response management, project management, biosafety, biosecurity and biocontainment is required.
• Experience working in and/or design of Biocontainment Level 3 facilities is necessary.
• Registration as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional is expected.

You have:

• Keen awareness of legislation governing safety practice. In depth knowledge of regulatory policies, legislation, and processes relevant to research in the province of BC.
• Effective planning and communication skills. Ability to apply knowledge in practice.
• Ability to set and accomplish objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• To work independently and as part of a leadership team.
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with all levels of staff and supervise and lead staff.
• Strong computer skills, including financial applications, spreadsheet programs and word processing software required.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls calls for justice, and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Support team members on their learning journey, ensuring education strategy for team/department to implement Indigenous Cultural Safety at a practical level.
• Work collaboratively with appropriate Indigenous teams/departments to ensure ICS lens applied holistically.
• Have commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

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, including municipal pension plan, 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

Salary Range: $74,618-$107,264. 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. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0830-1630

Requisition Number: 177546E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

(PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people - Be compassionate - Dare to innovate - Cultivate partnerships - Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments' unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of January 6, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday - Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.