Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Under direction of the Biosafety Specialist, this position assists with administering the Biosafety program. The Assistant Biosafety Specialist conducts inspections for compliance with federal, state and local regulations, applicable consensus standards, and Research Administration policy and serves as the Assistant Biosafety Officer. Specific areas of activity include NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA, Public Health Service Regulations, FDA regulations, and OSHA regulations. Responds to and assists with the mitigation of emergencies and spills. Investigates accidents and incidents. Delivers formal and informal education and training.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Health, Public Health or related field; or equivalency plus two years experience in biological safety programs required. Demonstrated knowledge of numerous laws, regulations, consensus standards and procedure manuals that pertain to biosafety 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 submit to a security risk assessment by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, and be approved for access to select agents and/or toxins within three months of employment.

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.

M.S. in Molecular Biology, Registered or Certified Biological Safety Professional, 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. Performs containment laboratory inspections to ensure compliance with appropriate regulatory and University of Utah policy and procedures.
2. Assists clients by reviewing rDNA and infectious agent research protocols for completeness and accuracy.
3. Assists with Select Agent program compliance by surveying faculty, ensuring proper documentation is in place, and evaluate facility security.
4. Provides training as a secondary instructor on OSHA-required bloodborne pathogen exposure control programs and a variety of personal protective equipment and engineering controls.
5. Provides information on Regulatory issues and guidelines.
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 chemicals and/or biohazardous materials.

Problem Solving

Under the direction of the Biosafety Specialist, evaluates research protocols to determine compliance with CDC, Departments of Health, USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Incumbent inspects facilities to ensure that investigators meet all requirements of the CDC, USDA, Select Agent/Livestock Pathogen and Wild Poliovirus Programs.

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

Comments

Incumbent may be required to work extended hours. Must be available for off-hours emergency response.