Biosafety Officer

Overview

Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute is seeking a Biosafety Officer who will be responsible for protecting the Institute’s employees, contractors, visitors, the general public and the environment from potential exposures to biohazardous materials and toxin; and to ensure that the Institute maintains full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the Select Agents and Toxins regulations as well as all other applicable governmental regulations and guidelines, and internal requirements.  In addition to conducting risk assessments, lab inspections, involvement with IBC or IBC protocol review, training development, Biological waste Management, on call emergency response and Occupational health/incident response. 

The Biosafety Officer will also serve as Responsible Official (RO).  As RO, will ensure compliance with all aspects of the Institute’s Select Agent Program in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Select Agents and Toxins regulations.  Will develop and implement supporting health and safety programs.  Will be responsible for reviewing and updating the Institute’s Select Agents Biosafety and Chemical Hygiene Plan, Security Plan and Incident and Emergency Response Plan. 

Will review research projects involving human and animal pathogens or biological toxins, including select agents, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, transgenic plants and animals and advises researchers regarding appropriate biocontainment levels, safety practices and applicable regulatory guidelines. Provides assistance to researchers in obtaining and maintaining any required import or interstate transport permits for biological materials to be used at LBRI and transports infectious materials between campuses as needed, and perform all other related duties and tasks as required or assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field and five or more years of prior biosafety experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.  BSL-3 and ABSL-3 experience required. Experience as an RO or ARO or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) and RBP preferred. 

Expert knowledge of the NIH Guidelines, the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories guidelines, OSHA regulations, CDC/APHIS Select Agents and Toxins regulations, DOT regulations, IATA Guidelines, and other relevant federal, state and local regulations, guidelines, and standards is required.

Must have superior professional-level written and verbal communication skills; a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy and discretion; excellent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills; and strong customer-service skills.  Demonstrated ability in managing a wide variety of complex tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines is required.  The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with solid judgment and discretion is critical, as well as the ability to perform duties independently.

Requires professional-level general computer skills and the ability to learn other department-specific computer systems as needed.

Successful completion of various background checks required. Must be able to pass National Select Agent Registration security risk assessment.  May be required to maintain a final US Government security clearance.  

This is an onsite position-Relocation may be offered for this position.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

Master's degree in microbiology, virology, public health, biosafety or environmental health.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in laboratory and vivarium/animal housing environments.  Will frequently stand, sit, walk, kneel, crawl, reach/work overhead, frequently lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds, perform repetitive and perform desk-based computer tasks.  Will wear personal protective equipment which may include a respirator.  Will work in close proximity to research animals and may be required to work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present which may require vaccinations.The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements.  The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Lovelace Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer