Bio Safety Officer - Environment, Health and Safety Engineer/Microbiologist

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.
Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Diagnostics Companies at Danaher. Together, we’re working at the pace of change to improve patient lives with diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges.



The Biosafety Officer (BSO) is a key position with responsibility in overseeing the safe use of biohazardous material in accordance with all applicable regulations. Cepheid has experienced a rapid growth and diversification in the number and type of product offerings and as such the new projects require the use of a broader range of microorganisms, as well as additional types of specimens.

The BSO ensures adequate biosafety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biohazardous materials, the spread of pathogens, threats of emerging pathogens, and control of amplifiable nucleic acids. The BSO develops training materials and monitors adherence to laboratory biosafety programs and assists other safety professionals and scientists with risk assessments and risk mitigation plans.


The BSO works with key partners to improve communication, emergency management and response practices. BSO is also expected to contribute to other parts of EHS, including but not limited to, ergonomics, noise, machine safety, chemical safety etc. The work includes risk assessments, incident handling, safety inspections, training events etc.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborates with Global Bio Safety Officer, R & D, Medical and Scientific Affairs personnel, occupational health experts and other partners to maintain an effective biosafety program
Provides Biosafety expertise in support of design, commissioning, maintenance and annual verification of BSL3, or other research facilities.
Develops emergency plans for handing accidental spills/ personnel contamination in collaboration with area managers
Reviews of all applications to ensure they comply with Swedish legislations and internal policies
Represents EHS in new projects and monitor safe handling of biohazardous materials needed for those projects
Conducts or oversees periodic inspections of laboratories. Works with area managers to address findings and opportunities for improvement
Conducts/works with managers & staff with accident/ incident/complaint investigations including post-exposure evaluations, & recommends corrective actions and follow-up, as necessary
Designs work practices and procedures to minimize exposure to hazards and to adhere to regulatory requirements
Provides guidance on decontamination and works with other safety professionals to maintain a laboratory waste management plan that adheres local regulations.
Develops training materials and monitor adherence to laboratory biosafety programs and assists with risk assessments and risk mitigation plans
Manages and implements all occupational health and management systems associated with biosafety and in accordance with governmental and company requirements
Promotes and supports the biosafety needs of the Cepheid organization in Sweden
Takes an active part in development of policies and procedures to ensure the safety of laboratory staff, and the provision of a safe physical environment to meet biosafety and broader safety requirements
Creates and adjusts methodologies and policies to meet Cepheid’s rapidly changing scientific and regulatory environment
Interprets and applies relevant laws, regulations, codes, and standards, to make recommendations for work environment changes based on interpretations and principles of professional practices
Works with other groups to ensure that associates granted access to Cepheid laboratories are adequately trained and compliant with existing regulations and policies
Educates and provides guidance for performing biosafety risk assessments, manage risks through systematic practices to evaluate, minimize, or eliminate them.
Partners with Cepheid site leaders to continuously improve the safety culture, awareness, and accountability in support of EHS programs.
Evaluates EHS compliance laws and regulations to determine impact to compliance programs and business operations
Supports the Cepheid EHS audit function in the areas of biosafety program management.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s, Master´s or Doctoral degree in the field of microbiology, biology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology or related health sciences field and a few years experiences in the same fields



Knowledge and skills:
Swedish and English languages, fluently
Knowledge of clinical and/ or public health microbiology and general laboratory practices
Understanding and experience with safe methods for manipulating, studying, propagating, and containing infectious microorganisms.
Strong computer-based skills, specifically with Microsoft Office


Desired skills:
Good knowledge of Swedish legislations within the subject of biosafety and other parts of EHS
Knowledge of BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations and practices
Understands policies and procedures for the control of amplifiable nucleic acid contamination in a research development and manufacturing setting.
Good Leadership skills