Critical Environment Instrumentation Supervisor (Biosafety Labs)

The Critical Environment Instrumentation Supervisor is responsible for managing instrumentation systems and personnel that support the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of biosafety laboratory environments. This includes supervising field calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of critical sensors and monitoring systems for environmental control, safety, and containment.

The supervisor ensures that instrumentation performance aligns with biosafety standards (CDC, NIH, WHO), supports continuous operation of life safety systems, and maintains data integrity across BMS, EMS, and SCADA platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of critical lab instrumentation, including:

  • Differential pressure sensors

  • Room air pressure control systems

  • Biosafety cabinet (BSC) airflow monitors

  • Temperature and humidity sensors

  • Toxic and combustible gas detectors

• Coordinate and oversee technicians working across multiple BSL zones (BSL-2/3/4).

• Ensure instrumentation performance meets compliance standards for biosafety, GMP, GLP, and ISO 17025.

• Maintain all calibration records and system documentation in compliance with audit requirements.

• Interface with BMS/EMS/SCADA platforms for system integration and alarm response.

• Participate in inspections and audits by EHS, CDC, or regulatory authorities.

• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and enforce safety protocols during instrumentation work.

• Support root cause analysis and resolution of instrumentation-related deviations or incidents.

• Recommend improvements for sensor reliability, monitoring coverage, and data reporting accuracy.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Instrumentation Control for Containment Systems

   • Ensure 24/7 functionality of systems monitoring pressure differentials, temperature, humidity, and airflow integrity in high-containment labs.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Biosafety Standards

   • Maintain full alignment with BSL-2/3/4 instrumentation requirements per CDC, WHO, and local biosafety protocols.

3. Field Team Supervision

   • Lead and support a team of calibration and instrumentation technicians; review and approve their work and documentation.

4. System Integration & Monitoring Platforms

   • Ensure sensors and monitors are accurately integrated into BMS/EMS/SCADA systems for centralized control and real-time alerts.

5. Audit Preparedness & Documentation

   • Oversee compliance of all calibration logs, sensor certifications, and deviation reports with FDA, GMP, and ISO standards.

6. Preventive Maintenance & Risk Mitigation

   • Develop and implement PM programs that minimize sensor failure and downtime in high-stakes lab operations.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical field.

• Experience:

  • 5–8 years of experience in instrumentation or calibration work, with 2+ years in biosafety or critical lab environments.

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • BSL-3/BSL-4 Lab Safety Training

  • OSHA Lab Safety

  • ISO 17025 Auditor (optional)

Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of:

  • HVAC-linked instrumentation

  • SCADA, BMS, and EMS platforms (Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, etc.)

  • Loop testing, sensor calibration, and digital instrumentation tools