The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values, but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Biosafety Officer collaborates with principal investigators, other technical and administrative research personnel, animal facility staff, study sponsors, biosafety oversight committees, regulatory agencies, and other in-hospital and outside interests to support implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive, effective, and compliant biological safety program at all hospital locations. The Biosafety Officer will maximize program awareness and visibility within the MGH research community. The incumbent will stay up to date with pertinent technical topics and regulatory requirements and support the Biothreats and HAZMAT response teams. This position reports to the Biosafety Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts risk assessments of academic and clinical research protocols (e.g. initial registrations, amendments, annual renewals and 5 year de novo renewals) involving biological agents, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids and other biological materials
2. Assures that each protocol is appropriately registered and prepared for review and approval by the relevant oversight committee (e.g. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the Institutional Review Board (IRB)) in accordance with all applicable management and regulatory requirements and in a timely manner
3. Monitors approved biological protocol work to assure safety and compliance with the practices and procedures described in the protocols
4. Assists with audits/inspections of research laboratories and animal care facilities for compliance with biosafety regulations and guidelines
5. Assists with review and development of policies, procedures, and recommendations as needed for activities associated with the research use of biological materials.

6.Assists with maintaining a database for inspections and other program functions as needed

1. Helps develop and maintain educational resources and delivers training directed to the control of biological hazards, including proper shipping of biohazardous materials. Assists with training at the department-specific level

8. Supports organizational preparedness for, and response to, biothreats and biological HAZMAT incidents and emergencies

9.Provides support for overall comprehensive safety programming by performing other duties as assigned by the program manager and department director

*Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree; background in biological sciences (e.g. microbiology, virology, molecular biology, medical technology); an equivalent degree in a scientific, safety-related discipline (e.g. industrial hygiene) with convertible knowledge, skills and experience will be considered

*Three years of progressive responsibility demonstrating strong technical and operational laboratory knowledge, preferably in a research organization, including knowledge of and experience working with BL2, BL2 S (BL2 enhanced) and BL3 agents

*Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports which outline findings, recommendations and application of relevant regulatory requirements

*Understanding of the latest technical issues in the microbiological sciences

*Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) or Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or eligibility

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

*Must maintain a thorough understanding of principles and practices of the biosafety profession and pertinent oversight committees

*Current knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local regulations

*Strong interpersonal skills; proactive and collegial; must handle conflict situations tactfully and constructively.

*Strong verbal and written communication skills

*Ability to work independently and meet deadlines but seek supervisory assistance when appropriate

*Training curriculum development and teaching skills; must be comfortable presenting to groups of various sizes.

*Flexibility and teamwork; willingness to assume responsibility as necessary for tasks outside of usual role

*Computer competency with commonly employed office software

*Physically able to perform activities such as walking, standing, climbing, lifting and carrying. Must be capable of working in personal protective equipment, including a respirator.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.