Opportunities across academia
Job Summary
The Executive Director (ED) provides critical leadership, advocacy and advice for the Faculty of Science’s strategic relations with all levels of government and other high value external stakeholders. They will also lead the Faculty’s involvement in campus-wide government, NGO and industrial relations strategies in collaboration with other campus leaders to promote and advance major Faculty of Science initiatives.
The ED leads the development and implementation of targeted advocacy plans, provides leadership and guidance to operationalizing effective government and external relations in the overall advancement of academic mission and priorities of the Faculty of Science. These priorities include advancing large capital projects, advocating for provincial seat funding for Science programs, forging major industrial collaboration pathways and research partnerships, and any other priority initiatives as they arise.
The initial priority of the ED will be to establish and exploit pathways for high-level advocacy at all levels of government, with an initial emphasis on highlighting and strengthening existing alignments between the Faculty’s research and teaching mission with the Provincial and Federal Governments’ evolving economic and social priorities. This will also require high-level engagement with industry leaders across the province’s key economic sectors that are relevant to STEM education, research and innovation. At this time, priority areas include critical minerals, AI, defense, environment and climate change, quantum materials, and inter-Faculty initiatives.
Another priority will be to lead the advancement of a major new Science-led capital project (currently called ‘Science Central’) through the development and enhancement of the Faculty’s relationship with all levels of government. As the university’s new hub for interdisciplinary chemical sciences, Science Central will combine revitalized curriculum, advanced training, and a lab-to-market research ecosystem. It will be the epicenter for cutting-edge, challenge-oriented STEM education, research and industry engagement at UBC.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Dean of Science. Works closely with all leaders within the Faculty of Science, senior University administration and with teams in portfolios across the UBC Vancouver campus including Campus and Community Planning, Development & Alumni Relations, Marketing & Communications, External and Government Relations when appropriate.
This position is a senior leader in the Office of the Dean of Science. They lead the development and implementation of annual and long-term government relations plans for the Faculty. They are responsible for ensuring that all the Dean’s leadership team is aligned and aware of current and emergent external factors affecting issues of strategic and operational importance to the Faculty.
Work Performed
Environmental scanning, opportunity and threat analysis
- Proactively monitors, analyzes and interprets government programs, legislation and activities and provides advice on the implications and opportunities for the Faculty of Science
- Conducts detailed environmental scans of issues relevant to the Faculty as it pertains to government activity and the post-secondary sector
- Maintains current, reliable knowledge and intelligence of shifting government priorities in order to adapt engagement strategies effectively. Maintains awareness of key relevant initiatives and strategies set out by all orders of government relevant to the Faculty of Science (e.g., Environment & Climate Change Canada, MITACS, ISED [e.g., National Quantum Strategy, Federal and Provincial Critical Minerals Strategies, Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy]).
- Advises and leads the writing of briefing notes, presentations and reports for the Dean and Dean’s leadership team in advance of meetings with government officials or sector-wide meetings with government.
- Provides in-depth analysis through both written notes and formal briefings, along with recommendations on advocacy initiatives and emerging issues and opportunities.
Issues Management
- Evaluates emerging and longer-term opportunities and threats to the achievement of the Faculty’s priorities and the critical success factors for the Faculty as they relate to the government
- Responds to and meets with a broad range of internal and external individuals and groups, frequently related to matters of immediate concern, and coordinates responses, solutions and follow-up with the Dean and other University constituents as appropriate
Host for high-value guests to campus and the region
- Creates and/or identifies opportunities for government officials to participate in the Faculty and opportunities for the Faculty to engage in government initiatives
- Identifies opportunities and leads the development of new collaborative initiatives with external partners that advance the Faculty’s academic mission (e.g. research partnerships & contracts, MITACS and HQP recruitment, talent development, and new programming in support of the Science Central vision and mission).
- Leads government visits, Faculty tours and meetings
Leadership of government communications activities
- Develops high-level communications and briefing materials for dissemination to target audiences in collaboration with Faculty-level communications and other University units (e.g. External Relations, Development and Alumni Engagement, VP Research and Innovation)
- Provides leadership and advice on responses to inquiries from government officials, advocacy documents, proposals for funding and other initiatives as they arise
- Works with the Faculty-level communications on written materials in support of the Faculty’s strategic goals
Relationship Development & Management
- Establishes and manages high-value relationships with government constituents (Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills; and other sector-specific Ministries) as they relate to the Faculty’s research, innovation, education and workforce development mission.
- Establishes and manages high-value relationships with industry and community organizations aligned with major government and Faculty research and training priorities
- Builds and maintains a network of government and influential relationships in Victoria and Ottawa including politicians, public service officials, high-level staffers and thought leaders
- Develops and nurtures strategic relationships with key post-secondary advocacy organizations (Universities Canada, U15) and colleagues at other institutions, which can be leveraged in advocacy or partnership opportunities
- Advances relationships in areas of key strategic importance including clean energy, biotechnology and health, environment, mining and critical minerals, directly engaging with critical faculty as appropriate, coordinating with other campus leaders where needed
- Develops positive relationships within the University and with its primary stakeholders, both internal and external, and identifies opportunities for internal collaboration and consultation with other faculties on government relations
- Develops and builds strong relationships and maintains a network with University colleagues involved with external relations
- Develops and maintains a strong cross-campus network of senior administration and advocacy professionals, providing visibility to Faculty-wide GR opportunities, and leveraging the support of campus advocacy channels
- Identifies and leads opportunities to advance the Faculty’s image and reputation with targeted audiences including public and industry events, speaking opportunities, and consultations
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The role is responsible for handling potentially sensitive issues requiring strict confidentiality, judicious management of information and tactful decision-making. This position is integral to the Faculty’s relationships with external organizations, and to its reputation internally and externally. In addition to a high level of tact and discretion, the incumbent must have a strong knowledge and understanding of the issues facing the post-secondary education sector broadly. Because this area is charged with building and maintaining relationships with organizations external to UBC Science, improper advice or actions could result in severe damage to the Faculty’s ongoing external relations work, which could have reputational, financial and political repercussions.
Supervision Received
The position is independently responsible for day to day work, and receives strategic direction from the Dean of Science and Dean of Science leadership team.
Supervision Given
N/A.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of ten years of related experience with at least two years of experience in a senior management position involving strategic business planning, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree much preferred.
- A minimum of ten years related experience in advocacy and / or government relations and lobbying work, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong awareness of post-secondary issues and relevant external pressures, structures and initiatives
- Knowledge of capital projects and funding priorities
- Knowledge of Canadian innovation ecosystem, including issues around workforce and talent development intellectual property, R&D and commercialization
- Familiarity with the activities and culture of a major research university is desirable. Knowledge of UBC’s organization, structure and personnel is an asset.
- General knowledge of operations of mass media.
- Developed interest in public affairs, public policy and the operations of different levels of government.
- This position may require travel within BC and internationally.
Leadership Skills
Proven track record leading and being agile as priorities evolve.
High personal resilience. Has the ability to establish a high level of rapport with senior and executive level leadership within and outside the university community, stakeholders and opinion leaders; utilize judgment and sensitivity in presenting issues; provides leadership and direction in determining appropriate courses of action. Ability to think strategically and possess intellectual curiosity. Ability to effectively manage sensitive or controversial issues. Exercises a high degree of diplomacy and discretion in all internal and external interactions. Understands the dynamics of ever-changing environment and can prioritize effectively. Is flexible and can manage changing priorities within a dynamic work environment. Possesses a highly independent working style with interest to engage early with issues and opportunities. Self-sufficient and self-motivated. Takes ownership of programs and tasks. Takes a proactive stance in solving problems and exhibits understanding and empathy, particularly when dealing with topics of public concern. Able to quickly grasp the scope of specific issues and the potential impacts on the organization.
Galley cart locks aviation
Good question — there isn’t a single global rule that only covers “cabin cart locks.” Instead, compliance is a mix of airworthiness/certification rules, operator (airline) procedures, cabin safety guidance, and security/catering requirements. Below I’ve summarized the practical compliance landscape (what regulators require, what airlines must do, and what auditors should check), with authoritative sources so you can dig deeper.
Short summary (one-line)
- Galley/serving carts that are part of the aircraft design must meet airworthiness and certification requirements (FAA/EASA/CS certification rules); irrespective of certification, operators must secure and restrain carts during critical phases and when not in use per operations manuals and cabin-safety guidance; catering/security locks and seals are industry practice and included in airline procedures and security regulations.
What the main regulators say (high-level)
- FAA / United States: Airworthiness (14 CFR Part 25 / Part 121) and FAA advisory material require that cabin items (including galley equipment and service carts) be restrained or secured and that manuals and procedures address stowage and restraint. FAA cabin-safety guidance emphasizes restraining serving carts when not in use.
- EASA / Europe: Galley carts and containers are treated as part of the galley/“open galley surfaces” for certification/airworthiness purposes and subject to related means-of-compliance; EASA materials and rule compilations handle galley equipment in their certification/airworthiness guidance.
- ICAO / IATA (global guidance): ICAO/IATA guidance and industry best-practice documents instruct operators to secure galley equipment/carts (apply brakes, latch, stow) and to perform safety risk assessments for non-standard configurations (e.g., freighter conversions or ad-hoc cargo in cabin). IATA also provides carriage and cabin-cargo guidance.
Practical implications for airlines / operators
- Design vs. operational item
- If a cart is part of the aircraft type design (i.e., certified installation), it must comply with the aircraft certification requirements (airworthiness, occupant injury, latching under crash loads, flammability where applicable).
- If it’s an operational item (loose service cart not part of the type design), the operator must ensure safe restraining, procedural controls, and inclusion in their manuals (SOM/OMP/COM) and training.
- Locking / restraint mechanisms
- Carts must have functional brakes/latches and proper stowage provisions; many operators mandate both mechanical locks and procedural checks (apply brake, latch, orient wheels into guiders). Where a cart interfaces with a certified galley fixture, that interface must be certified.
- Operational procedures
- Procedures required in crew manuals and operations manuals for: preflight checks of galley carts, stowage during taxi/takeoff/landing, reporting/marking of inoperative (INOP) carts, and SOPs for in-flight service vs turbulence.
- Security / catering locks & seals
- Airlines commonly use seals/locks on catering carts (and catering trucks) to protect food integrity and comply with security requirements. These are generally mandated by operator security procedures and airport/country-security rules rather than aircraft certification rules.
Key compliance differences by region (typical)
- U.S. (FAA): Focus on inclusion in manuals, Part 25 airworthiness for certified installations, and safe stowage rules under Part 121 operations. Enforcement via oversight and audits.
- EU (EASA): Tight integration with certification standards and means-of-compliance for galley fittings; operator procedures mirror EASA OPS and national authority oversight.
- Other states (ICAO contracting states): Most follow ICAO/IATA guidance and apply equivalent national rules; some variations exist in how much of galley equipment is treated as certified aircraft equipment versus operator-supplied.
Five most important compliance points (for auditors / program owners)
- Certification status — confirm whether the cart (or attachment) is part of the aircraft’s certified installation (type-approved) or an operator-supplied loose item; certification triggers different requirements.
- Physical restraint / locking function — verify mechanical condition: brakes, latches, locks, and any interface fittings operate to specification and are maintained.
- Procedures & manuals — ensure SOPs describe stowage and locking steps for all phases (taxi, TO, landing, turbulence) and that crew are trained and assessed.
- Security seals / tamper evidence (catering) — ensure catering supply chain controls (seals, supervision) are documented and followed where required by security programs.
- Reporting & INOP handling — damaged or non-functional trolleys must be tagged/removed from service per operator policy (and not used if they cannot be secured).
Quick compliance / audit checklist (copyable)
- Is the cart certified as part of the aircraft installation? (Yes / No) — if Yes, check certification documents.
- Visual & functional: brakes engage; latches secure; wheels/guides align; no broken parts.
- SOPs & manuals: stowage/locking steps present in SOM/OMP/checked in recurrent training.
- Security: Are catering seals used where required and chain-of-custody documented?
- Maintenance records & defect handling: are inoperative carts removed/labelled per procedure?
Notes, nuances, and practical tips
- No single “global lock spec”: regulators require safe restraint and certified interfaces where applicable, but the exact lock type/brand is an operator/manufacturer decision.
- Industry guidance is influential: IATA/ICAO/industry compendia provide the practical operational expectations that airlines adopt into manuals.
- If changing use (e.g., cargo in cabin, or new smart locking systems) — you must perform a safety assessment and often seek authority approval for non-standard configurations.
If you want, I can (pick any and I’ll do it right away)
- Build a printable audit checklist template (Excel / PDF) tailored to FAA, EASA or a specific airline.
- Compare a specific airline’s published policy (e.g., Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Delta) for galley/cart restraints and show differences. (I’ll look up each airline’s published SOPs/policy and cite them.)
- Draft an operations paragraph you can insert into a flight-ops or cabin-safety manual describing required locking/stowage language.
Sources (selected): FAA Cabin Safety index & stowage guidance; EASA rules/“open galley surfaces” references; IATA/ICAO cabin operations and carriage guidance; industry cabin safety compendia and operator best practices.
Tell me which follow-up you want (audit template, airline comparison, or a manual paragraph) and I’ll produce it immediately.
🛫 1. Aero líneas Argentinas Flight 386 — Cholera from Contaminated Meal (1992)
One of the most significant food-contamination cases in aviation history occurred on 14 February 1992:
• Onboard Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight 386 from Buenos Aires (via Lima) to Los Angeles, a Boeing 747 flight served meals contaminated with cholera.
• 75 people fell ill, and 1 passenger died from the disease after eating the contaminated food.
• The outbreak was traced back to poor hygiene and contaminated food preparation in the catering supply chain. The public health risk resulted in a major investigation and heightened international focus on aviation catering standards and safety.
What this meant for industry practice:
After this incident and others like it, aviation stakeholders (airlines, caterers, health agencies, regulators) strengthened food-safety management systems (e.g., Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)) and regular audits of catering providers to prevent biological contamination.
⸻
🍽️ 2. Japan Air Lines Food Poisoning (1975)
A classic historical case, often cited in aviation safety studies:
• In February 1975, aboard a Japan Air Lines Boeing 747, 144 passengers became ill after eating meals contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus toxins.
• Laboratory tests confirmed the pathogen in meals and passenger samples.
• The source was traced to improper food handling by catering staff, including an infected food handler.
• Investigation highlighted crew meal separation practices (to avoid simultaneous incapacitation) and food temperature controls as crucial safety measures.
⸻
🥘 3. Recent Report — Emergency Landing After Serving “Contaminated” Food (2024)
In July 2024, a Delta Airlines flight diverted to New York JFK after onboard meals were reportedly spoiled/contaminated:
• Flight 136 (Detroit → Amsterdam) was diverted when passengers received meals suspected to be spoiled.
• Medical crews attended onboard, and Delta initiated an investigation with its food safety team and suppliers to isolate the product.
While final investigative details may not yet be publicly released, the operational response (diversion, isolation, investigation) underscores how airlines treat food safety issues as potentially serious operational safety risks.
⸻
🧪 4. India Food Safety Authority Notice Over Blade Found in Airline Meal (2024)
This isn’t a classic contamination pathogen case, but it illustrates why pre-flight food screening and inspection controls are mandated:
• In June 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an improvement notice to a major airline catering contractor after a passenger found a metal blade in his in-flight meal.
• The foreign object was traced back to a vegetable-processing machine at the catering facility.
• Authorities ordered installation of x-ray machines and better inspection controls to prevent physical contamination of meals before loading.
Takeaway: Even non-biological contamination prompts regulators to tighten controls (e.g., metal detectors, X-ray scanning of food trays) to prevent harm from physical hazards.
⸻
📋 5. Industry and Medical Safety Guidance
Beyond specific accidents, food poisoning is recognized as a serious hazard that can affect crew performance and flight safety:
• Aviation medicine literature and safety databases note that foodborne illness can incapacitate crew and threaten safe flight operations, leading to calls for more stringent catering standards and crew meal policies (e.g., different meals for pilots).
⸻
🧐 Why These Matter for Compliance
These incidents and investigations have led the aviation industry and regulators to enforce or tighten:
✔ Catering facility standards and audits (HACCP, hygiene, temperature control).
✔ Security and safety checks of catering loads before boarding—e.g., verifying seals, metal detection, and inspection of carts.
✔ Crew procedures for food handling and symptom response, including medical reporting guidelines.
✔ Regulatory guidance on food safety and contamination prevention for in-flight meals and crew meals.
Airline food cart Safety
In the aviation industry, the plastic lock on a food cart is known as a tamper-evident seal or security seal. It plays an important role in safety, security, and compliance.
✈️
What It Is
A plastic tamper-evident seal is a small lock placed on airline meal carts (also called trolleys or ATLAS carts) to ensure they remain closed and untouched from the time they are loaded until they reach the aircraft.
🔐
Key Purposes
1. Security
- Prevents unauthorized access to food, alcohol, or duty-free items.
- Ensures no one tampers with the contents during transport from catering facility → aircraft.
2. Safety
- Reduces risks of contamination.
- Ensures items inside are untouched until opened by authorized crew.
3. Compliance
Airlines are required to follow:
- Airport security regulations
- Customs & duty rules (especially for alcohol)
- Inflight catering standards
4. Tracking & Auditing
Each seal normally has:
- A unique serial number
- Sometimes a barcode
- A color code (based on airline or catering shift)
Crew record the seal number during:
- Pre-flight safety checks
- Post-flight security clearance
This provides a traceable audit trail.
🧰
Types of Plastic Seals in Aviation
Type
Description
Pull-tight seal
Adjustable length; used for carts and containers
Fixed-length security seal
Breaks when cart is opened
Barcode/numbered seal
Used for tracking and audits
High-strength seals
Used for liquor carts or high-value item carts
🛠️
How Crew Use It
- Catering loads meals → seals the cart
- Seal number is documented
- Cart loaded onto aircraft
- Crew verifies the seal matches documentation
- To use the cart, crew breaks the seal
- Broken seal is kept for recordkeeping
🏢
Common Manufacturers
- TydenBrooks
- Versapak
- Unisto
- Mega Fortris
- Hansco
- (Used globally by airline catering companies like LSG Sky Chefs, dnata, Qatar Airways Catering, Gate Gourmet, etc.)
If you want, I can also provide:
✅ Diagram of a sealed cart
✅ Procurement list (models & prices)
✅ Safety procedure checklist for audits
Just tell me!
AI prompts
Create a handwritten study note about using Gemini with Python rest api to generate insights by creating a Python framework for input processing functions and output functionality. Use a messy but legible student handwriting font on lined paper. Use a yellow neon marker to highlight important terms so l can revise during exams and draw red circles around important dates. Add small doodles to explain the concepts better on A4 printable size paper.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)