Director of Biosafety and ARO

Posted: 26-Jun-24

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Internal Number: JR26655

Job Description:

• Perform investigations, inspections and follow up to ensure compliance with local and federal governing bodies.

• Develop, deliver and update programming designed to educate, protect and ensure safety compliance across all Research Unit departments.

• Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes, safety trainings and other necessary data points.

• Act as BSO for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance.  Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provides guidance on biological safety related matters, making independent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions.

• Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans.  Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.

• Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products, and work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans. 

• Compile reports, protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative functions that support the biological safety program.

• Serve as liaison with governmental and voluntary agencies, other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, and other personnel on matters involving biological safety including emergency response.

• Maintain understanding of current trends, changes in biological safety regulations and maintains knowledge of codes, standards, and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and continuing education courses.

• Serve as a voting member of IBC and HTRL-IBC, upon appointment by University Leadership.  Conducting reviews, assessments, and ensuring safety and compliance of protocols on behalf of the University.

• Serve as an Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program, and oversee the process for developing and distributing Agent Profile Forms. 

• Assist in assessment and possible cleanup of biological spills in laboratories. This includes carrying a pager periodically and being 'on-call' for emergency consultation off hours.

• Directs and develops a multidisciplinary, professional and technical team committed to coordination of laboratory safety and compliance services, including general laboratory safety, biosafety, and related training.

• Provides feedback to team member and laboratory staff and students, including the leadership of research cores and other UC-managed research facilities on outstanding issues and coordinates the development of remedial action plans as required.

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for biosafety initiatives in alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

• Managing budgetary resources, personnel, and equipment necessary to support biosafety operations effectively.

• Setting performance goals, providing feedback, and evaluating the performance of direct reports to foster professional development and ensure accountability.

• Manages the development, planning and implementation of the University's environmental health and safety programs. Maintains the Universityâ™s Emergency Management Plan and monitors departmental budgets.

• Manages professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or one of the life sciences.

Experience:

• Experience in a laboratory or related industry (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences research laboratory, etc.). 

• Experience in biosafety/lab safety.

• Experience, education and/or training in the realms of recombinant DNA or synthetic biology.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., American Society for Microbiology National Registry of Certified Microbiologists-Biosafety, American Biological Safety Association Certified Biosafety Professional-CBSP, qualification in laboratory safety).

• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to research involving recombinant or synthetic DNA molecules (r/sDNA) and/or infectious agents. Agencies involved include the CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD, OSHA, and FDA.

• Maintain understanding of current trends, technology, changes in biological safety regulations and maintain knowledge of codes, standards and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and continuing education courses.

• Ability to travel for attending and/or presenting work at regional and national scientific conferences in the field of biological safety.

• Ability to work successfully with a wide variety of people at all levels of knowledge.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to problem solve, remain calm in emergency situations, stay focused, work under pressure with frequent interruptions.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency with database (e.g. MS Access) design and maintenance, ability to write queries and design/generate reports.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (preferred)

• References (3)(required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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