Biological Safety Officer

at  The University of Chicago

Department
Provost Office of Research Safety
About the Department
The University of Chicago Office of Research works with faculty and deans to support and enhance research and to support and oversee institutional research infrastructure including University Research Administration (URA), Research Development Support, the Office of Research Safety, Research Computing Center, Globus, the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (CASE), and Schmidt Future Fellows.
Job Summary
ThThe Biological Safety Officer (BSO) at the University of Chicago works closely with Biological Safety Officers (BSOs), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Select Agent Institutional Biosafety Committee (SAIBC), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Animal Resources Center (ARC), the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists, UC faculty, staff, and students to coordinate services, review facilities, and provide appropriate safety training and technical support as necessary. The position also services on the University’s emergency response team for situations involving biohazardous agents and/or other hazardous materials. Reports to the Director of Biosafety.

Responsibilities

• Perform annual laboratory inspections, including appropriate follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions, for BSL2, ABSL2, BSL3, ABSL3 laboratories located on the Hyde Park campus and assist with similar inspections at the H.T. Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) to ensure compliance with the applicable internal (e.g. IBC) and external (e.g. CDC, NIH, USDA) safety regulations or requirements. Perform facility and research protocol reviews as necessary or as requested by the Director of Biosafety and/or IBC and in direct cooperation with UC faculty and staff, building coordinator, department safety representative, or department head, as appropriate. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes. Works collaboratively with ORS Chemical and Radiation Safety staff and Divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists in the development and implementation of research safety program elements.
• Act as BSO for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance. Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provides guidance on biological safety related matters. Possess knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to research involving recombinant DNA molecules (rDNA) and/or infectious agents. Agencies involved include the CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD and FDA. Act as signatory for the BSOs for matters relating to biological safety in his/her absence.
• Develop and deliver appropriate laboratory safety training curricula for University BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories including, but not limited to, blood-borne pathogens, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, biosafety, select agents and toxins and DOT/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as it relates to shipment of infectious substances. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document successful completion of required laboratory safety training. Assist in the development of safety Web-Based Training Programs.
• Develop and maintain programs designed to monitor and control biohazards. Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products. Work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans. Make independent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions. Communicate with faculty and staff, in person, in writing via memos, reports, e-mail, or fax, and by telephone phone for the purpose of addressing/resolving biological safety related matters.
• Compile biological safety inspection reports, research protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative functions that support the biological safety program.
• Serve as liaison with governmental and voluntary agencies, other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, and other personnel on matters involving biological safety including emergency response.
• Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans. Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.
• Conduct safety/accident investigations pertaining to BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories as assigned.
• Maintain understanding of current trends, changes in biological safety regulations and maintains knowledge of codes, standards, and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and continuing education courses.
• Attend, and when possible present work at, regional and national scientific conferences to advance knowledge in the field of biological safety.
• Participate in the continued review, development and implementation of safety programs, processes, and technologies training.
• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiatives immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.
• With a moderate level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
-
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
-
Certifications:
Driver’s License - Multiple States
-
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or one of the life sciences.
• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or one of the life sciences.

Experience:

• Five plus years of experience in a laboratory or related industry (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences research laboratory, etc.). Experience in biosafety/lab safety.
• Experience, education and/or training in the realms of recombinant DNA or synthetic biology.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., American Society for Microbiology National Registry of Certified Microbiologists-Biosafety, American Biological Safety Association Certified Biosafety Professional-CBSP, qualification in laboratory safety).
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.

Preferred Competencies

• Significant knowledge of relevant federal, state and local compliance regulations and guidelines.
• Analytical, problem-solving, organizational and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with database (e.g. MS Access) design and maintenance, ability to write queries and design/generate reports.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the
University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via
Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:
http://securityreport.uchicago.edu
. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637

• Perform annual laboratory inspections, including appropriate follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions, for BSL2, ABSL2, BSL3, ABSL3 laboratories located on the Hyde Park campus and assist with similar inspections at the H.T. Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) to ensure compliance with the applicable internal (e.g. IBC) and external (e.g. CDC, NIH, USDA) safety regulations or requirements. Perform facility and research protocol reviews as necessary or as requested by the Director of Biosafety and/or IBC and in direct cooperation with UC faculty and staff, building coordinator, department safety representative, or department head, as appropriate. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes. Works collaboratively with ORS Chemical and Radiation Safety staff and Divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists in the development and implementation of research safety program elements.
• Act as BSO for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance. Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provides guidance on biological safety related matters. Possess knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to research involving recombinant DNA molecules (rDNA) and/or infectious agents. Agencies involved include the CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD and FDA. Act as signatory for the BSOs for matters relating to biological safety in his/her absence.
• Develop and deliver appropriate laboratory safety training curricula for University BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories including, but not limited to, blood-borne pathogens, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, biosafety, select agents and toxins and DOT/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as it relates to shipment of infectious substances. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document successful completion of required laboratory safety training. Assist in the development of safety Web-Based Training Programs.
• Develop and maintain programs designed to monitor and control biohazards. Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products. Work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans. Make independent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions. Communicate with faculty and staff, in person, in writing via memos, reports, e-mail, or fax, and by telephone phone for the purpose of addressing/resolving biological safety related matters.
• Compile biological safety inspection reports, research protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative functions that support the biological safety program.
• Serve as liaison with governmental and voluntary agencies, other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, and other personnel on matters involving biological safety including emergency response.
• Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans. Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.
• Conduct safety/accident investigations pertaining to BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories as assigned.
• Maintain understanding of current trends, changes in biological safety regulations and maintains knowledge of codes, standards, and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and continuing education courses.
• Attend, and when possible present work at, regional and national scientific conferences to advance knowledge in the field of biological safety.
• Participate in the continued review, development and implementation of safety programs, processes, and technologies training.
• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiatives immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.
• With a moderate level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
• Performs other related work as needed