BioSafety Manager
Job Description:
The Biosafety Manager is a technical and programmatic leader within Environmental Health & Safety Services (EHSS), responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Universitys biosafety program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. This role serves as the designated Institutional Biosafety Officer under NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and is the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory liaison, and biological risk assessment.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Lab Safety within Emergency and Environmental Risk Services, this position oversees all aspects of the biosafety program and supports broader laboratory and research safety, including chemical, radiation, laser, and physical hazards. The role works closely with principal investigators, researchers, and governance bodies to advance a culture of safety and compliance across the research enterprise.
The position maintains required institutional designations for research involving biological materials, including recombinant DNA, select agents, and dual-use research of concern (DURC), and serves as liaison to regulatory agencies such as the CDC, NIH, USDA/APHIS, and NYS DOH.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry or a related discipline.
- Masters degree preferred.
- Experience in biosafety and other general health and safety disciplines, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
- 5+ years of experience in an academic or research environment and/or laboratory safety management experience in an organization with diverse research and development activities, preferred.
- Knowledge and skill working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques.
- Working knowledge of biological safety standards such as the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and the NIH Guidelines for Research
Skills and Knowledge:
- Knowledge and experience working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques; Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) preferred.
- Working knowledge of biological safety standards, including the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and NIH Guidelines.
- Functional understanding of research laboratory operations, including chemical, biological, radiological, and physical processes and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs, comfortable with public speaking.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex risks to individuals and groups.
- Strong written, analytical, and organizational skills, with experience preparing reports and interpreting data.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to take on a leadership role within EHSS.
- Ability to work independently in a complex, decentralized environment.
- Valid NYS drivers license meeting University requirements.
- Medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and participate in hazardous materials response and investigations, including after-hours as needed.
- Current HAZWOPER certification preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biosafety program ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and policies.
- Create procedures, guidance, and training materials to support safe, compliant research involving biohazardous materials.
- Review applications for biohazardous material use; engage investigators to understand proposed activities, assess risks, identify appropriate safety controls, and develop recommendations for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
- Coordinate IBC operations, including agendas, presentations, meeting facilitation, and minutes.
- Maintain committee membership and ensure annual registration updates with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Serve as the Universitys designated Institutional Biosafety Officer under NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, maintaining required registrations and ensuring ongoing federal compliance.
- Support compliance with NIH Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) Policy and applicable select agent regulations (42 CFR Part 73; 7 CFR Part 331).
- Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies including CDC, NIH, USDA/APHIS, and NYS DOH interpreting requirements and communicating expectations to researchers and institutional stakeholders.
Laboratory Inspections:
- Conduct routine laboratory inspections to assess biosafety, chemical, radiation, and general lab safety.
- Develop standardized checklists to ensure consistent, comprehensive evaluations.
- Engage faculty to review findings, identify corrective actions, and promote compliance.
- Document inspections in the laboratory management system, track completion of corrective actions, and analyze/report trends and metrics.
Risk Assessments:
- Perform risk assessments of biohazardous and other hazardous materials, processes, equipment, and activities in research labs. Collaborate with researchers to understand operations and identify, communicate, and implement strategies to control hazards and minimize risk.
Research Grant Hazard Reviews:
- Support the research grant review and approval process by evaluating hazards identified in proposals.
- Confirm that appropriate facilities, permits, committee approvals, and competencies are in place.
- Provide recommendations, concerns, and approval considerations to the Office of Research.
Training:
- Develop and deliver biosafety and general laboratory safety training for faculty, staff, and students.
- Prepare training materials for in-person and online presentations and maintain training records in the Universitys learning management system.
- Technical Guidance: Provide expert advice on biosafety issues and safe laboratory practices.
- Prepare guidance documents and standard operating procedures for the researcher.
- Support campus planning, design, and construction in laboratory planning and designs to ensure safety needs and standards are considered and addressed.
- Service in a leadership role in the EHS department.
- Oversee interns and provide guidance and support to junior staff members and technicians.
- Support special research safety projects and initiatives and participate in departmental planning and long-term strategy development.
- Develop and implement emergency response procedures for biohazard incidents. Participate in incident response.
- Investigate laboratory accidents and incidents to determine causes and implement corrective actions.
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