Biosafety Officer

Job Details

Biosafety Officer

Office of Research

Georgia State University

Office of Research and Environmental Safety (ORES)

Introduction to the Department

Georgia State University has been one of the fastest growing research universities in the nation over the past decade. The Office of Research and Environmental Safety (ORES) at Georgia State University is dedicated to supporting research and instructional laboratories, animal facilities, and environmental programs to ensure regulatory compliance, guidance, and best practices for the health and safety of our campuses and surrounding community. We strive to create an environment that fosters excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

ORES is a vital part of the Office of Research, under the Vice President for Research & Economic Development. Within ORES, the Biosafety Office staff and programs are essential to the operational backbone of the university's research involving biological materials and compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program.

ORES seeking (1) dedicated and experienced Biosafety Officer.

WHAT MAKES ORES GREAT PLACE?

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• A rapidly growing research portfolio

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Biosafety Officer are the following:

• Biosafety Protocol Review: Review and assess research proposals involving the use of biological materials, animals, laboratory operations and facilities, and construction/renovation plans, for all aspects of biosafety to ensure appropriate health and safety controls, containment, and compliance with NIH, CDC, USDA, and other federal, state, local, and University requirements; provide feedback and assist Principal Investigators regarding research involving biological materials. Reviews biological materials indicated on Materials Transfer Agreements for alignment with approved biosafety protocols.
• Biosafety and Biosecurity: Provides support to the Senior Biosafety Officer for administration of the GSU Select Agents and Toxins Program. Participate in the development and annual review of the Institutional Biosafety Manual, occupational health plans, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, presentations, and training.
• Biological Waste: Manage and implement the autoclave program including standard operating procedure development, training, ordering/distributing supplies, and validation testing tracking. Assist with biomedical waste disposal and maintain associated records. Ensures biohazardous materials are packaged, labeled, stored, transported, and disposed of properly.
• Shipping Infectious Materials: Manage the biological/infectious substance shipping program ensuring compliance with the DOT, IATA, and FAA. Monitors research proposals and shipments for export control requirements and solicits ad hoc reviews, as necessary.
• Laboratory Assessments: Performs routine site inspections to ensure proper safety procedures are being followed and that regulatory requirements are being met. Prepares and provides reports of such inspections.
• Emergency Response: Respond to laboratory and research facility emergencies, conduct incident investigations, provide incident reports, and develop and implement corrective action measures, as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Public Health, or related field and three years of related experience.
• Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to pass U.S. Department of Justice security clearance.
• Experience in an academic setting preferred.

Preferred Hiring Requirements:

• Certification or ability to become certified for DOT and IATA biological materials shipping within the first 6 months of hire.
• Training or the ability to complete training in HAZWOPER (40 hours) within the first 6 months of hire.
• Certification by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (CIH), Board of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), and/or American Biological Safety Association (CBSP) preferred.