Biosafety officer, Specialist Safety & Environment

Job Description

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biotechnology or similar and experience with managing risks associated with biological agents (including GMOs) and do you understand biocontainment systems and concepts? Then we are looking for you to join our Biosafety team!

For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer, we have an exciting opportunity for an EHS Biosafety Officer.

Welcome to our team

Our production and R&D (Research & Development) facilities in Boxmeer and De Bilt are part of our global Animal Health network and develop, manufacture and package animal health products according to Good Manufacturing Practices standards (GMP). Our Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) department (~21 employees) provides safety and environmental support for our animal health organization at the Boxmeer and De Bilt facilities to drive towards world class EHS performance. The department covers all the essential EHS expertise, with a team of 7 individuals specializing in Biosafety & Industrial Hygiene (BS&IH).

Purpose of the Role

The EHS Biosafety Officer serves as the site’s biosafety expert, ensuring safe and compliant management of biological agents and GMO-related activities across R&D and manufacturing operations. The role supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of biosafety programs, risk assessments, biocontainment systems, and regulatory compliance to protect employees, products, and the environment while enabling safe and effective vaccine research and production.

Primary responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for the site Biosafety program, including site processes to anticipate, recognize, and evaluate workplace health hazards and recommend proper control strategies to manage identified risks.
• Identify and assess biosafety-related risks, develop and help define and implement corrective and preventive action plans, and monitor and communicate the overall status of these plans.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities and collaborate with other EHS staff, Engineering, Operations, and R&D personnel to leverage best practices and drive continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain the required technical competencies, proficiencies, and regulatory knowledge to ensure responsibilities are effectively executed.
• Apply technical expertise in risk assessment of biological operations, control strategies and prevention, including engineering controls and work practice controls, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain excellent communication processes to ensure site management, as well as affected employees in R&D and Manufacturing, understand workplace biohazards and accompanying biological risks, including exposure prevention methods and control strategies.
• Provide technical support for engineering projects and modifications to ensure proper biocontainment facility design, containment verification, and evaluation before and after process or equipment is installed or implemented.
• Conduct biosafety program assessments, area inspections, and audits.
• Develop and contribute to an effective Biosafety training program for both management and employees.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, or similar.
• Industrial (occupational) hygiene (Arbeidshygiene) or Safety engineering (Hogere Veiligheidskunde) education is a plus.
• Experience with managing risks associated with biological agents, including experience with GMO legislation (BVF permit), and understanding of biocontainment systems and concepts.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret results and trends, decide appropriate and cost-effective corrective actions, and provide clear recommendations to both management and employees.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work transparently and with a sense of urgency across various roles.
• Excellent technical leadership and communication, both oral and written, in English and preferably also in Dutch.

What we offer

We provide an opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our employees and the environment. In this role, you will have autonomy and the freedom to take charge.

• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• A minimum of 35.5 days of leave.
• Travel allowance and a solid pension plan.
• A high-quality company restaurant offering fresh and healthy options daily.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at our main entrance, and there is ample parking.
• A contribution toward your personal sports membership to support your vitality.
• A beautiful private park on-site, perfect for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.
• Mental well-being support through Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.
• Extensive growth opportunities, thanks to the size of the site and the many disciplines and global departments represented in Boxmeer.
• A workplace within an organization that is continuously growing and evolving.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them.

Required Skills

Biosafety, Driving Continuous Improvement, EHS Auditing, EHS Compliance, Environmental Health And Safety, Hazard Analysis