Safety Officer

at  Howard University

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Preferably a Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences, but a Master’s Degree and 5-7 years of related work experience may substitute. A 12-year or more related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Pay Range: $60,181.96 - $66,200.1

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

Plan, direct, and coordinate laboratory inspections, provide reports of such inspections to the IBC and report same to the ORRC, and review and certify Material Transfer Agreements (MTA).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

In accordance with the NIH Guidelines, Section IV-B-3-c, as the BSO, the Biosafety Officer will:

• Make inspections of laboratories at which the research is being reviewed and reporting results of such inspection to the IBC to determine whether the proposed research activities are performed at the appropriate biosafety level,
• Provide technical advice to Principal Investigators PI(s) to improve the relevant laboratory facility or practice to the level that is appropriate for the proposed research activities
• Certify the PI’s laboratory biosafety levels in compliance with the NIH and CDC/NIH Guidelines
• Provide advice on laboratory security and research safety procedures,
• Provide technical advice to Principal Investigators and the Institutional Biosafety Committee on research safety procedures.
• Develop an emergency plan for handling accidental spills and personnel contamination and investigating laboratory accidents that concern recombinant DNA and infectious agents research,
• Make periodic inspections of laboratories at which research subject to the jurisdiction of the IBC is being conducted to ensure that laboratory standards at the biosafety level for proposed research are rigorously followed and reporting the results of such inspections to the IBC,
• Report to the IBC any significant problems involving or violations of the NIH Guidelines, as well any significant accidents or illnesses related to research under the IBC’s jurisdiction of which the Biosafety Officer becomes aware unless a report has previously been filed with the IBC by the PI. The Biosafety Officer also shall be responsible for confirming that the PI (or other appropriate individual or committee) has made any reports to NIH OBA or other governmental agencies or sponsors that are required by the NIH Guidelines or other applicable laws or regulations and that copies of any such reports have been provided to the Biosafety Officer, Chair of the IBC and the Office of Regulatory Research Compliance.
• Work collaboratively with and serve as the conduit between the ORRC and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS).
• Expeditiously review the Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) for safety concerns and compliance with the NIH Guidelines (Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA)) regulatory requirements.
• Will organize and provide biosafety training to students, ORRC staff, and investigators.
• Ensure chemical safety and perform other biosafety-related functions as assigned by the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Regulatory Research Compliance.

All biosafety-related communications must be conducted through the Office of Regulatory Research Compliance under the oversight of the AVP for Regulatory Research Compliance. In joining the ORRC team, the Biosafety Officer Shares the University’s commitment to providing the best service to our community. Therefore, the Biosafety Officer’s ideas and initiatives are integral to improving our processes and service to the academic community.