Biosafety Officer

Montana State University, United States

Updated: 5 days ago
Location: Bozeman, MONTANA
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24251
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Kirk Lubick
(406) 994-6998
[email protected]
Classification Title Health Professional
Working Title Biosafety Officer
Brief Position Overview
Join Montana State University as the Biosafety Officer to oversee a comprehensive biosafety program throughout MSU’s research and teaching laboratories, and ensure safety and compliance with all applicable guidelines, state and federal regulations, and policies.
Position Number 4C2223
Department Office of Research Compliance
Division Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Starting $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open

Position Details


General Statement
The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) oversees both compliance and safety research related activities at Montana State University (MSU) and represents MSU to federal governmental agencies that provide grants and verifications authorizing and facilitating research on MSU-Bozeman’s campus. Under limited supervision, the Biosafety Officer directs and oversees a comprehensive biosafety program throughout MSU’s research and teaching laboratories in accordance with federal, state, local and granting agencies requirements. The Biosafety Officer is responsible for development, implementation and management of a comprehensive set of programs and policies to ensure safety and compliance. The Biosafety Officer works closely with MSU constituents, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local authorities, and professional organizations to meet the goals of MSU. The Biosafety Officer reports to the Director of Research Compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develops, implements, and coordinates MSU’s Biosafety program to enhance institutional biosafety-related objectives and ensures safety and compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, and policies.
  • Monitors MSU research and teaching laboratories involving the use of hazardous biological agents and recombinant DNA molecules for compliance with applicable regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Assists investigators, staff, and facility service personnel with all matters related to safety and compliance and interpretation regarding Biosafety regulations and guidelines for biological agents, shipping requirements, containment practices, risk assessment, work procedures and practices, and decontamination procedures.
  • Maintains expertise on existing and proposed changes in regulations; interprets and applies relevant, laws, regulations, codes and best practices, including making recommendations for work changes based on interpretations and principles of professional practices.
  • Serves as a voting member on MSU’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), ensuring that the research-related activities complies with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines.
  • Provides guidance to Facilities Services in addition to Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction Project Managers on building projects involving remodel and new construction of laboratories.
  • Partners with key lab safety peers to inspect research and teaching facilities for compliance with applicable regulations; investigates incidents and complaints, and recommends or implements corrective action plans as needed.
  • Informs and educates staff, students, and other constituencies regarding biosafety issues; develops training materials and provides training to MSU personnel.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Bachelors’ degree in biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, public health or a related science.
  • Knowledge of the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), CDC regulations, National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines, and relevant USDA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
  • Knowledge of scientific procedures, biosafety principles and practices.
    		•
    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Three (3) years’ demonstrated experience required in a biological science discipline.
  • Documentation or ability to obtain designation as a Registered Biological Safety Professional (RBP), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or other related certification preferred.
  • Knowledge of and skill applying applicable regulatory federal, state, local and grant agencies requirements.
  • Demonstrated success in program management and development.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety, including handling and disposal of biohazardous material, toxins and mixed waste, as well as decontamination processes and containment principles and practices.
  • Proficient with database and web development systems.
    		•
    The Successful Candidate Will
    • Have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to create and maintain good working relationships with university departments, supervisors and outside agencies.
    • Have strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage a successful program and the completion of projects within time and budget constraints.
    • Excels in an autonomous environment.
    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
    • Must be able to pass a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) FBI Background Check.
    • Potential exposure to laboratory hazards including biological, chemical, and radiological which require the implementation of safety practices to minimize the risk.


    This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
    Physical Demands
    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
    This position has supervisory duties? No

    Posting Detail Information


    Number of Vacancies 1
    Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
    Position End Date (if temporary)
    Open Date
    Close Date
    Applications will be:
    Screening of applications will begin on February 22, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
    Special Instructions
    Diversity Statement
    Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
    In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
    MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html

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