Associate Biological Safety Officer - Environmental Health & Safety

Position Summary
This is a full-time position in Environmental Health and Safety at Washington University in St. Louis (WU). The main areas of responsibility are:
1. Serve as one of the initial reviewers for protocols submitted to the Institutional Biological & Chemical Safety Committee. This requires a thorough understanding of the science underlying the protocol and the regulations that apply to different types of research, the ability to identify the risks involved, and the ability to recommend appropriate ways to mitigate those risks.
2. With the BSO’s direction, oversee the clinic inspection program for WU. This includes day-to-day supervision of the Health & Safety Professional staff, evaluation of inspection data, generation of reports as needed, and representing EH&S at meetings pertaining to clinic safety.
3. Serve as one of the alternate responsible officials for WU’s select agent program.
4. Support the BSL3 safety program by assisting with semi-annual inspections of BSL3 and ABSL3 areas on campus and by serving as a subject matter expert (in collaboration with the BSL3 Safety Specialist) for questions about BSL3 design, maintenance, and work practices.
5. Develop and update training materials, policies, and procedures related to biological safety.
6. Serve on the EH&S spill response team. This requires the ability to quickly assess hazards (biological, chemical, and radiological) and make decisions to protect personnel, property, and the environment from harm.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervises Health & Safety Professionals and assist the BSO in overseeing the clinical safety program.
• Reviews research protocols and perform the initial risk assessment in the areas of potentially infectious microorganisms, potentially biohazardous materials, recombinant DNA, biotechnology, chemical carcinogens, and toxins.
• Acts as a liaison to faculty and staff as well as to representatives from many regulatory agencies (including CDC, DOJ, and USDA-APHIS) to ensure compliance with regulations pertaining to biological safety. Includes reviewing BSL3 work plans, performing BSL3 inspections, and providing consultative support to faculty, staff, and students who work in or around BSL3 and ABSL3 areas.
• Serves as an Alternate Responsible Official and assists the BSO/RO in overseeing the Select Agent Program.
• Serves as a member of the WU Hazardous Materials Spill Response Team (HAZWOPER).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to chemicals, radioactive materials, and potentially infectious materials in a laboratory environment. 
• Will need to carry an on-call (24/7) phone for spill response approximately once a quarter. 
• Need to wear personal protective equipment during inspections and spill remediation. 
• Occasional lifting >25 pounds. 
• Use of specialized equipment (mercury vacuum, SCBA, vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination equipment, air monitoring equipment, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, research laboratory experience, and professional certification (CBSP, CSP, etc.) are strongly preferred.
• Oral and written (business and technical) communication skills, ability to make sound judgments that impact safety and compliance, public speaking, and facility with Microsoft Office applications are essential skills. 
• Physically able to wear personal protective equipment and lift and move while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and fully encapsulating suits.
• Ability to obtain a security risk assessment clearance for work with select agents and toxins.​

Required Qualifications

Graduate degree in relevant field (microbiology, biochemistry, etc.) or four years relevant experience.

Grade
G17

Salary Range
$108,200.00 - $190,400.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.