Job Details

Hiring Department

UMKC Environmental Health and Safety - Division of Finance and Administration

Job Description

The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Biological Safety Professional. This position supports more than 80 Principal Investigators and a dedicated community of research professionals, technicians, and students. As a Carnegie-designated R1 research university, UMKC is committed to advancing innovative, impactful research, and this role is essential to fostering a culture where scientific excellence and safety go hand in hand.

Serving as UMKC’s Biological Safety Officer, the successful candidate will provide leadership and subject matter expertise for the university’s biological safety program. This position partners closely with researchers and institutional stakeholders to support compliance with applicable regulations and best practices, provide technical guidance on laboratory facilities, equipment, and work practices, and promote the safe use of biological materials. Through consultation, risk assessment, and program oversight, the Biological Safety Officer helps protect researchers, students, staff, and the environment while enabling the success of UMKC’s growing research enterprise.

Ideal candidates will be responsive, team-oriented problem solvers, known for their flexibility and adaptability, as well as their desire to learn.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead UMKC’s biological safety program through strong, collaborative partnerships with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral researchers, laboratory staff, students, and other institutional stakeholders.
• Partner with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and collaborate closely with the IBC Compliance Office to support the university’s biosafety oversight program, including coordinating and facilitating IBC meetings, reviewing research protocols involving biological materials, providing regulatory guidance, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on biosafety and biosecurity matters, providing technical guidance regarding laboratory facilities, containment practices, biological risk assessments, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations, guidelines, and policies governing biological research and the use of biological agents.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve evidence-based policies, procedures, and best practices that promote a safe research environment and prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposures.
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments of laboratories and other areas where biological hazards may be present; identify, document, and communicate findings and partner with researchers to implement corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents, exposures, and near misses; determine root causes, recommend corrective and preventive measures, and support their successful implementation.
• Develop and deliver training, consultation, and outreach programs to promote awareness of biosafety requirements and foster a culture of safety throughout the research community.
• Monitor emerging biosafety issues, regulatory developments, and industry best practices and recommend program enhancements to support UMKC’s growing research enterprise.
• Promote teamwork within the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and contribute to other departmental programs, initiatives, and special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities in biosafety, laboratory safety, research compliance, or biological research have been acquired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Biosafety/Biosecurity, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences
• Hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant DNA (rDNA)
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire
• Eligibility to sit for the Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) examination or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $54,000 to $65,000 annually.