Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Develops, implements and oversees the University biosafety program. Serves as the institutional Biological Safety Officer and administrator for the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Audits laboratories and work practices. Tracks and documents certification of biosafety cabinets. Responds to and assists with the mitigation of emergencies and spills. Investigates accidents and incidents. Designs, develops, and provides formal and informal education and training.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Environmental Health, Public Health or related field or equivalency; four years experience in biological safety programs required. Demonstrated knowledge of numerous laws, regulations, standards and procedure manuals that pertain to biosaftey standards required. Working knowledge of computer programs and applications; demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills also required.

A current Driver’s License is required to perform duties.

Incumbent must pass a medical examination and be cleared to wear negative and positive pressure respirators and personal protective equipment within three months of employment.

Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) through the American Biological Safety Association, Ph.D. or completion of recognized formal biosafety training programs are preferred.

This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Advises, directs and serves as a resource on biological safety matters.
2. Audits laboratories to review procedures, to identify the need for risk assessment and to provide counsel for regulatory compliance.
3. Designs, develops and provides training and education to research and clinical faculty, staff, students and visitors.
4. Develops and maintains the registration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
5. creates and maintains computer databases for biological safety.
6. Coordinates and tracks biological safety cabinet certifications.
7. Investigates cases of work-related injury, illness or death.
8. Responds to and assists with mitigation of emergencies and spills involving biohazardous materials.

Problem Solving

Independently evaluates research protocols to determine compliance with CDC, Departments of Health, USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations prior to final protocol approval. Pre-screens protocols to determine which require peer review by the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

Incumbent inspects facilities as the Responsible Facility Official to ensure that investigators meet all requirements of the CDC, USDA, Select Agent/Livestock Pathogen and Wild Poliovirus Programs prior to final protocol approval. Serves as the primary contact if CDC, USDA, Departments of Health, or Law Enforcement have questions concerning the programs or other issues relating to Public Law.

The incumbent provides training and education that requires persuasive communication to encourage researchers to follow safe practices.

Incumbent develops and monitors the annual budget for the biosafety program including biological safety cabinet certification. Audits and ensures accurate billing for biosafety cabinet certification contracts.

Comments

Incumbent assigns work and coordinates schedules for technicians and other personnel. Incumbent may be required to work extended hours and provide on-call coverage.