Biological Safety Manager- Research Integrity, Office of Research and Innovation

Position Summary

The Biological Safety Manager manages and administers the University's comprehensive biological safety program, designed to proactively minimize risk attributed to non-compliance with regulations, policies, or accepted guidelines governing the conduct of life science research and teaching. This role oversees the implementation of guidelines established by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), UT San Antonio and agencies of the State and Federal governments, and coordinates the biosafety monitoring, compliance, and response activities of UT San Antonio research facilities. This position serves as the Responsible Official for laboratories designated as Select Agent Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3). The Biological Safety Manager will evaluate situations involving personnel, research, and infrastructure of ABSL-3 labs and base determinations and guidance on federal regulations. This role is responsible for operational coordination and implementation of sectional / divisional safety policies and procedures for the safe use and control of biological materials, environmental concerns and waste control, at all UTSA Campuses, and owned or operated facilities.

Core Responsibilities

1. Directs, develops, implements, and coordinates the comprehensive biological safety and biosecurity program to support compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and directives.
2. Coordinates, evaluates, and monitors the delivery of biosafety education and training for faculty, staff, and students who work with or have potential for exposure to biohazards.
3. Monitors research and teaching activities involving the use of hazardous biological materials and recombinant DNA molecules for compliance with appropriate regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
4. Reviews research grant applications, proposals, and activities involving biohazardous materials and recombinant DNA, and approves or recommends modifications to ensure safe practices; provides guidance to researchers and/or performs follow-up as appropriate.
5. Serves as the Responsible Official (RO) for the University's select agent program, ensuring compliance with federal select agent regulations and carrying out the duties specified in the regulations applicable to ROs. Oversees and coordinates activities performed by the Alternate Responsible Officials (AROs).
6. Informs and educates staff, students, and other stakeholders regarding biosafety issues; develops comprehensive biosafety educational and outreach programs for academic departments, research programs, and university facilities.
7. Inspects research and teaching facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use, handling, and disposal of potential biohazards and recombinant /synthetic nucleic acids; coordinates the review and investigation of all biosafety accidents occurring on University campuses, and develops corrective action plans.
8. Inspects research and teaching facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to general chemical use, physical safety, and fire/life safety.
9. Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials; responds to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate; and, in coordination with the occupational health team, develops medical surveillance criteria for activities involving biohazards and related materials.
10. Serves as the subject matter expert to the University regarding appropriate equipment, facilities, and work practices for protecting laboratories, staff, and the environment from contamination and infectious organisms.
11. Provides technical guidance to faculty and staff in the development of safety plans for grant applications; advises facilities and physical plant staff regarding technical and programmatic issues involving laboratory biosafety design and maintenance.
12. Serves as the Biosafety Officer of record for compliance with the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.
13. Participates in and provides leadership to various internal committees and task forces; actively participates in external meetings and organizations, and maintains liaison with professional counterparts in other institutions.
14. Manages staff and/or student workers direct reports as assigned by Director.
15. Attends conferences, meetings, and workshops to keep up-to-date on new safety techniques and changes to applicable codes and regulations and maintain certification(s).
16. Provides periodic status reports on divisional functions as required by division Director.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
• Ability to pass an FBI FD-961 background check upon hire.
• This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Clerical procedures
• Recordkeeping and filing
• Independent decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Office Suite

Working Conditions

Academic, laboratory, research, clinical facilities and field conditions in or adjacent to biological, chemical, radiological, and other hazardous material work areas. Work involves various degrees of hazard and may include prolonged work in outdoor conditions. Physical ability to sit, walk, kneel, bend, crawl and climb stairs and ladders. Use of specialized personal protective equipment and work in hazardous areas with mandated participation in the UTSA Occupational Health Program. Occasionally requires working after hours and weekends for ABSL-3 validation testing and to respond to emergency situations. Participates as a member of the UT San Antonio Lab Safety spill team if qualified by medical evaluation and successful completion of specialized training.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, if walking and standing are required, only occasionally. Exerts up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally.

Required Application Materials

• Resume is required.
• Cover letter is required.
• Contact information for three professional references.