Biosafety officer, Specialist Safety & Environment

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 the exciting opportunity for an: EHS Biosafety Officer

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). Boxmeer, with its more than 2000 employees, is the largest site in our Animal Health's global network. 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 now 7 individuals specializing in Biosafety & Industrial Hygiene (BS&IH).

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.

• Subject Matter Expert for the Biosafety program of the site, 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 assist with defining and implementing corrective and preventive action plans. Monitor and communicate 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.
• Technical expertise needs to include but is not limited to risk assessment of biological operations; control strategies and prevention (including, engineering controls and work practice controls), applicable regulatory and requirements.
• Establish and maintain excellent communication processes to ensure site management, , as well as affected employees in R&D and Manufacturing understand the 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, as well as evaluation before and after process / equipment is installed or implemented.
• Conduct biosafety program assessments, area inspections & audits.
• Develop and contribute to an effective Biosafety training program for both management and employees.

• 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, experience with GMO legislation (BVF permit), understanding of biocontainment systems and concepts.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret results/ trends, decide appropriate, cost‑effective corrective actions…