Biological Safety Officer - Environment, Health, and Safety

University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS Full-time Law Enforcement / Security

Posted on April 3, 2024

Apply Now

Biological Safety Officer - Environment, Health, and Safety

Department:
Environment Health & Safety (EHS)
-----
Environment Health and Safety

Position Title:
Biological Safety Officer - Environment, Health, and Safety

Job Family Group:
Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:
The Biological Safety Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating and maintaining a comprehensive biosafety program capacity in accordance with NIH and CDC regulations for the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes work environments, programs, and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by biological agents. Conducts inspections and enforce adherence to KUMC policies and procedures as well as laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. Serves on the Institutional Biosafety Committee and other committees as appropriate.

Starting salary is $70,000- $82,000 commensurate with experience

Job Description:

Conditions of Employment: Must be able to wear a negative pressure respirator.

Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related discipline.

Work Experience:

Related work experience in biological and laboratory safety.
Experience working in a highly regulated environment and in a university, hospital, research, or laboratory setting.
In-depth working knowledge of practices and procedures performed in BSL-1, BSL-2, and BSL-3 labs and applicable regulations or guidelines (e.g., NIH Guidelines, BMBL 6th Edition, OSHA BBP Standard, etc.) pertaining to microbial agents, recombinant DNA technology and other biohazardous materials associated with biomedical research.
Previous experience using basic computer and MS Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Master's degree or higher in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related discipline.
Certification or eligibility for certification as a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP)
First aid and AED certifications

Work Experience:

Experience working with BSL-3 labs.
Experience working in a university research environment, EHS department or other complex organization.
Experience in shipping regulations pertaining to Class 6, Division 6.2 infectious substances, dry ice, and other biological specimens.

Skills:

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment and work successfully working in a highly regulated environment which demands consistent accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communications skills and the ability to interact professionally with faculty and staff.
Demonstrated reliability and a proven work ethic.
Ability to coordinate multiple activities with numerous professionals in preparing materials for deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and automate data/procedure handling practices.

Job Responsibilities and Essential Duties:

Establish and implement strategic goals and objectives for the KUMC Biosafety program. Consult with KUMC Principal Investigators, research staff and others regarding mitigation of biological hazards, methods for maintaining compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, regulations pertaining to select agents and toxins, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories guidelines, and biohazard waste disposal.
Monitor and analyze federal/state regulations related to research safety. Develop and update the KUMC Biosafety Manual, written plans and biosafety-specific Standard Operating Procedures. Develop biosafety and security plans. Assist in developing Emergency Plans. Provide biosafety advice and technical guidance to the KUMC biomedical research community.
Prepare Documentation for: (1) Internal and external inspections (Lab specific, NIH, CDC, USDA; (2) Department of Transportation Class 6, Division 6.2 Dangerous Goods
Develop and deliver biosafety related training as described: (1) new employee; (2) continuing education/ refresher trainings (e.g., Biosafety, Bloodborne Pathogens, Shipping Infectious Substances and Biological Specimens)
Serves as ex officio voting member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Assist in the development of strategic goals and objectives for the IBC. Develop and provide ongoing education for committee members. Assure compliance with university policies and the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. Perform preliminary review of all IBC protocols and addenda involving the use of recombinant DNA and other biohazardous materials. Work with the IBC Administrator to develop agenda and minutes for IBC meetings, coordinate with Principal Investigators on protocol issues identified during IBC meetings, and send approval letters to Principal Investigators.
Serve as an ex officio voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), providing special review of IACUC protocols involving in vivo use of recombinant DNA and other biohazardous materials, referring to other EHS members as appropriate. Perform risk assessment of biohazard use in animals to ensure proper work practices are utilized for the protection of researchers and animal husbandry staff. Review hazard communication signage for animal facility rooms to ensure adequate hazard information and controls have been addressed and appropriate animal housing/containment level is used. Provides support to LAR husbandry staff and research staff when hazards are identified within animal protocols. Provides training, as needed, to animal workers.
Conduct biosafety inspections of research laboratories (BSL-2 and BSL-3) and other areas throughout KUMC where biohazardous materials are handled. Notify Principal Investigators of inspection findings and provide corrective actions based on regulatory compliance and biosafety best practices.
Review inbound and outbound Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) and grant proposals/awards for the use of biohazardous materials.
Serve as a key member of the University's Environment, Health & Safety office. This includes collaborating with other EHS employees to develop and implement EHS programs to resolve compliance issues and regularly update the EHS Director regarding status of programs and any identified deficiencies.
Respond to emergency spills regarding biohazards. Must be available to participate in rotation of 24 hr. EHS “on-call” responsibilities.
Review plans for construction or renovation of laboratories utilizing biological materials. Track and coordinate annual inspections of primary containment equipment (e.g. biosafety cabinets) across campus. Maintain required documentation.
Oversee the training and authorization of personnel working in BSL-3 labs. Serve as acting facility manager for BSL-3 labs, develop and maintain BSL-3 policies and procedures, and coordinate annual lab shut-downs for necessary equipment certifications and maintenance work.
Review safety protocols for human gene transfer research occurring in university and hospital clinical research locations. Conducts site inspections in areas where investigational products will be used, stored, administered, and disposed to ensure that proper biosafety work practices and other risk mitigation measures are in place.
Participate in required training which includes, but is not limited to:
- Annual Biosafety training.
- Annual Bloodborne Pathogen training.
- Annual Personal Protective Equipment
- Annual Hazard Communication training
Serve as a key member of the University's Environment Health & Safety office. This includes collaborating with other EHS employees to develop and implement EHS programs to resolve compliance issues and regularly update the EHS Director regarding status of programs and any identified deficiencies.
Serve as a resource for investigators, the KUMC Research Institute, centers/institutes, and others regarding regulations and KUMC policies outside of the biological safety program.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Documents:

Resume/CV

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Rate Type:
Salary

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range:
$65,000.00 - $99,000.00
Minimum
$65,000.00
Midpoint
$82,000.00
Maximum
$99,000.00

Application Instructions:
To learn more and apply online, please visit https://kumc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/kumc-jobs/job/Kansas-City-Metro-Area/Biological-Safety-Officer---Environment--Health--and-Safety_JR006875 or go to https://careers.kumc.edu/ and search for position number JR006875.

Applications must be submitted directly through the KU Medical Center website to be considered for this position. Any applications submitted via email or this website will NOT be reviewed or considered.

About KU Medical Center:
The University of Kansas Medical Center’s mission is to educate exceptional health care professionals through a full range of undergraduate, graduate, professional, postdoctoral and continuing education programs in the schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions. KU Medical Center also advances the health sciences through world-class research programs; provides compassionate and state-of-the-art patient care in an academic medical center environment; and works with communities in every Kansas county to improve the health of Kansans. Learn more at www.kumc.edu.

Benefits:
KUMC offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members. Our health insurance benefits begin on hire date and KUMC offers other exciting benefits such as paid parental leave, generous employer retirement contributions and other resources to improve health and well-being. For more information, please visit https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Kansas Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, protected veteran or disability status, marital status, parental status, or genetic information. http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/nondiscrimination

Apply Now

Biological Safety Officer - Environment, Health, and Safety

University of Kansas Medical Center

Sections

Services

Contact Information