Biological Safety Officer

Job Description:

The primary purpose of this position is to administer and carry out the campus wide biological safety program with special emphasis on research laboratories and research support spaces. This position will be responsible for the development, oversight, and implementation of biological safety programs and exposure control plans designed to facilitate teaching and research while protecting people and the environment from potential adverse effects of laboratory agents.   The Biological Safety Officer will conduct risk assessments on behalf of the University, identify potential hazards and degree of risk, provide recommendations for solutions, and lead and implement actions to limit/eliminate liability and safety concerns for the University. The Biosafety Officer provides leadership and expertise in the area of biological safety to Brown University supporting and advancing research and the safety of our community. 

Specific responsibilities include assistance in the development of Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) protocols, review of IBC and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, inventory monitoring and documentation, facility inspections, management of the biohazardous waste program, biological spill response and post-spill investigation, and updating of Biosafety Manual, educational material, training and other guidance documents that are part of the Biosafety program.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct Laboratory Safety inspections in research laboratories and research support spaces where biological materials are used
• Assist researchers in developing IBC protocols, review IBC protocols, activities related to biological research, serves on several university committees, and is recognized as the authority and subject matter expert on all campus-related biological safety issues
• Develop and maintain written biological safety policies and guidelines for Brown University
• Manage biohazardous waste program
• General Safety Support
• Hazardous Materials Shipper
• Training - Designs, develops and conducts biological safety training courses such as Bloodborne Pathogens, and Biosafety for Brown University faculty, students, and staff.  Maintains training records for tracking training compliance
• Emergency Response Team Member  - Responds to emergency situations, participates in on-call rotation, ability to don respirator and other personal protective equipment, provide technical support to outside responders, assess dangerous situations, and respond appropriately

Other:

• Will be required to work with or around hazardous materials
• Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds
• Must participate in rotating weekly on-call rotation which includes weekends and some holidays

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelorâ™s degree required in microbiology, public health, biological science, occupational safety, industrial hygiene or other related field with a minimum of 3 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• The position requires a broad knowledge of laboratory safety principals with an emphasis on biological safety practices; microbiology and/or virology; recombinant DNA/vector/gene transfer; principles of containment, decontamination, disinfection, and personnel protection; federal/state regulations, NIH and CDC guidelines related to biological safety. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills appropriate for all levels of administration, faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Ability to present a detailed explanation of information to obtain consensus and cooperation.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as an understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification.

Applicants will provide a cover letter and resume with their application.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.