Operational Biosafety & Chemical Safety Specialist

About the role

The Operational Biosafety & Chemical Safety Specialist ensures that biosafety and chemical safety requirements derived from Belgian legislation, LTO permits, European regulations and BASF standards are fully implemented across the Innovation Center in Gent. The role provides operational support for laboratory, greenhouse and research activities involving biological and chemical materials, keeping the site audit‑ready and compliant.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain continuous compliance with Belgian biosafety legislation and LTO permits, monitor implementation across labs and greenhouses, and support documentation for permits.
• Manage chemical safety by overseeing approximately 1,600 chemical registrations, ensuring accurate hazard classifications, SDS, storage locations and compliance with GHS, CLP and REACH.
• Conduct routine inspections of laboratories, greenhouses and storage areas, assess compliance, and support risk assessments.
• Maintain biosafety and chemical safety procedures, inventory systems and coordinate the Belgian Biosafety Committee.
• Develop and deliver biosafety and chemical safety training, maintain competency records and promote a strong safety culture.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, investigate incidents, and manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Provide day‑to‑day guidance to researchers and collaborate with EHS, Facilities, Regulatory Affairs and site leadership.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related life‑science discipline.
• Experience in regulated laboratory, biotechnology, chemical or research environments, preferably with compliance, EHS or biosafety responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of biological and/or chemical hazards and of GHS, CLP, REACH and biosafety regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder management, organizational and analytical abilities with high attention to detail.

Required skills

• Biosafety legislation and permit management
• Chemical safety governance and inventory control
• GHS, CLP, REACH, SDS compliance
• Laboratory and greenhouse inspections
• CAPA and audit coordination
• Training development and delivery

What we offer

• Permanent contract within a professional, motivated team.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive base salary, annual bonus and extra‑legal benefits.