The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at Stanford University is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the teaching, learning, and research activities on our campus by promoting a safe and healthy environment. With over 50 specialists across 10 technical groups, we collaborate closely with top researchers, faculty, staff, and students to provide practical safety and environmental solutions. Our work environment is team-oriented, collaborative, vibrant, and deadline-driven.
EH&S seeks an Assistant Biosafety Officer (ABSO), who will play a key role in supporting Stanford University's biological safety programs, reporting to the institutional biosafety officer (BSO). This position provides crucial support to the BSO by assisting with both personnel and programmatic oversight. The ABSO supervises a dedicated team of biosafety specialists who provide protocol review, consultation, and in-field services to the research community. This position is integral in helping design, develop, and manage Biosafety & Biosecurity (B&B) programs across Stanford's research enterprise, including the School of Medicine (SoM). The ABSO will provide technical, regulatory, and administrative support to Stanford's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which oversees work with rDNA and infectious agents, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and nurturing productive relationships with principal investigators (PIs) involved in cutting-edge research.
In this role, you will:
Develop, implement, and oversee biosafety programs; interpret policies and procedures as they apply to environmental, health, and safety practices.
Serve as a subject matter expert in one or more areas of environmental, health, and safety specialization; lead technical meetings; represent assigned area and/or specialty in meetings and interact with internal and external customers.
Directly supervise and provide guidance and development to individual contributors, including contractors and matrixed staff, external to the organization.
Develop training programs and effective communication strategies around biosafety protocols and practices using modern engagement methods; create outreach for researchers, particularly students and post-docs, that can be implemented on a rolling basis to continuously capture new incoming researchers.
Ensure programs and practices are in compliance with the appropriate statutes and regulations and environmental, health, and safety requirements are met.
Investigate and resolve problems, questions or complaints received from within the organization, customers, government regulatory agencies, etc.
Ensure environmental, health, and safety inspections are conducted, corrective actions are completed on time, and all necessary documentation is maintained.
Develop, maintain, audit, and evaluate current policies, procedures, and documentation for regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. May represent the university as a designated safety officer when mandated by regulatory requirements.
Additionally, you will have these key responsibilities: (1) Program Oversight and Development
Serve as a member of designated research compliance committees; facilitate risk assessment and registration application processes for rDNA, prion-like proteins, and biological agent protocols.
Utilize data metrics to recommend corrective actions and continuous enhancements to biosafety programs.
Conduct audits and assessments to maintain compliance with statutes and regulations relating to biosafety.
Investigate and address issues or complaints from the university community and external or regulatory agencies.
In alignment with the BSO, support compliance programs including bloodborne pathogens, aerosol transmissible diseases, high containment research, specialized laboratory facility design and review, and compliant operation of specialized biocontainment facilities. (2) Build Relationships and Increase Collaboration
Supervise and mentor biosafety specialists and support staff, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
Represent the Biosafety Office in interdepartmental and external engagements.
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with department chairs, faculty, researchers and staff to enhance biosafety practices and foster proactive risk management.
Assist researchers with review of proposed work and identification of appropriate biological laboratory containment levels, biosafety practices and procedures, and strategies for hazard assessment and control.
Collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Dean of Research and university safety partners, to engage the university community in biosafety efforts.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in arts/science in related allied/scientific field and five years of related progressively responsible experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Advanced degree and/or certification(s) or experience may be required for some programs.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
Proven ability to manage biosafety programs and lead staff effectively in a professional service environment.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing health and safety, especially biosafety, practices.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations in order to ensure environmental, health and safety program compliance
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for building collaborative relationships both inside and outside the organization.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Demonstrated ability to conduct or assist with environmental health and safety risk assessments, determine appropriate mitigation steps, and undertake crisis management when needed.
Ability to lead professionally, be on call, and to respond in emergency/crisis situations.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
Strong understanding of occupational and public health and safety principles, with experience in program and process development.
Proficiency in organizational communications techniques, including group facilitation and use of digital engagement strategies.
Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
Experience with effective implementation of health and safety-related operational programs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and clearly, as well as deliver engaging health and safety training content.
Certifications and Licenses:
Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently stand, sit, and perform desk-based computer tasks.
sort and file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
Ability to maintain a valid non-commercial California Driver's license.
Ability to drive day or night.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments.
May rarely be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals /asbestos, or heavy metals
May occasionally need to traverse uneven surfaces and may rarely work in confined spaces or heights greater than 10 feet.
WORK STANDARDS:
When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
On-site/Hybrid positions: The expected pay range for this position is $159,773 to $165,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
