BioSafety Laboratory 3 Plant Laboratory Director

The Citrus Containment Director will have primary responsibility for, but not limited to, planning anddirecting efficient day-to-day operations, laboratory security, managing space, coordinating withresearchers, and communicating with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. The Citrus BiosafetyLevel 3 plant (BSL-3P) laboratory is the first of its kind in Southern California, providing a secureenvironment for research on citrus-related diseases, with a specific focus on solutions to Huanglongbing(HLB) and the management of its host, the Asian Citrus Psyllid. Management of pests and diseases iscrucial to ensure the health of the citrus crop in California and beyond. The Director will provide supportto researchers and laboratory staff who will work in the Facility.Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specificareas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/orstructure. Manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and functions with a high degree of autonomy.Serves as the technical expert in one of the following fields/disciplines: Laboratory Safety, EnvironmentalHealth, General Safety, including Pest Management, Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste, orEnvironmental Protection.Problems are complex and may require the creation of new methodologies by applying professionalEH&S knowledge and/or expertise.The incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work.Description –Acts as the primary contact and safety coordinator for the Facility. Ensures subordinate staff properlydecontaminate research areas between projects and, when necessary, autoclave and dispose of waste from greenhouses, labs, and growth chambers, while maintaining a clean facility, including common areas, lab spaces, greenhouses, and grounds.Assist in ensuring personnel follow all protocols. Assist in maintaining and enforcing existing StandardOperating Procedures and other protocols (containment, equipment, laboratory, greenhouse, etc.) anddevelop new/revised additions to existing protocols as needed.Maintain computerized records of projects in the Facility, including applicable permits. The Director willassist with the handling and introduction of materials destined for the Facility, ensuring compliance withstate and federal regulations regarding permitting, importation, propagation, shipment, and release ofthese materials. Assist in the oversight of the processing of all incoming foreign and interstate shipments,and the disposal of all plant and unwanted living organisms in compliance with state and federalregulations.Ensures that accurate databases of material, chemical, and biological inventories used by the Facility, aswell as equipment and supplies inventories, are maintained by subordinate staff.Establishes and conducts training programs for authorized researchers within the Facility in the safeoperation of the equipment and resources within the Facility. Maintain roster of authorized users todifferent areas of the Facility.Provides expert counsel by evaluating, interpreting, and applying laws, regulations, codes, and standards across the complexity of environmental, health, and safety disciplines.Qualifications and RoleThe Director is a key administrative official who oversees all high-containment activities.The role requires ensuring that all personnel are competent and adequately trainedWhile some duties can be delegated, the Director remains ultimately responsible for all aspects of the laboratory's operation and must ensure that all responsibilities are performed correctlyKnowledge of laboratory safety, including, but not limited to, biosafety cabinet operation, fume hoods, and laboratory ventilation, personal protective equipment, and other hazardous materialsBroad knowledge of or ability to learn and operate building mechanical systems/equipment and specialized greenhouse and growth chamber controlled environment systems to optimize environmental conditions, including the recognition and corrective action on deficiencies (when possible) or identify and report problems to Operations & Maintenance/Facilities.Education & ExperienceMaster's or PH.D. in plant pathology, entomology, nematology, biological sciences, or plant sciences, or experience acquired through education and work (Preferred)Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training (Required)Experience3 – 5 years of related experience (Required)Experience working in modern microbiological high containment laboratories (Preferred)Experience with plants, nursery, and greenhouse production (Required)Special RequirementsAbility to remain on-call and respond appropriately to Facility emergencies when called upon,including evenings and weekends.TravelTravel outside of regular business hoursValid Driver's LicensePhysical RequirementsThe incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to lift tothirty-five pounds frequently; stand for long periods of time, use repetitive arm and wrist motions, bend,stoop, twist, and maintain visual acuity.

Salary : $89,000 - $106,000