Career Center

Senior Safety Officer-Biosafety- (Environmental Health and Safety)

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Description

To develop, implement, and provide oversight of the institutional biosafety program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines (e.g., NIH Guidelines, CDD/USDA regulations, OSHA standards). To establish biosafety policies and procedures, conduct risk assessments, advise researchers on safe laboratory practices, oversee biosafety training, support the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and respond to incidents involving biological agents. To promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance, enabling innovative research while protecting faulty, staff, students, the community, and the environment.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

* Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the institutional biosafety program. Ensures institutional compliance with all applicable biosafety regulations and standards, including NIH Guidelines, CDC/USDA requirements, OSHA regulations, and relevant federal, state, and local laws. Maintains biosafety manuals, policies, and standard operating procedures to support safe research and laboratory practices.

* Provides expert guidance to principal investigators (PIs), laboratory personnel, IBC members, and academic departments on biosafety-related issues. Collaborates with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, including chemical safety, radiation safety, and occupational health, to ensure an integrated approach to research safety. Actively participates in emergency preparedness planning and serves on multidisciplinary safety committees to support campus-wide risk mitigation efforts. Serves as an Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the UAB Select Agent Program, supporting compliance and security in the handling of select agents and toxins.

* Serves as a subject matter expert to the IBC, providing technical review of research protocols involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules and/or Risk Group 2 or higher biological agents. Presents program updates, identifies and reports biosafety concerns or instances of non- compliance, and communicates relevant scientific or regulatory developments that may impact biosafety or biosecurity practices.

* Oversees and ensures routine biosafety inspections of laboratories and core facilities, including thorough documentation of identified deficiencies and verification of their resolution. Conducts risk assessments and provides expert consultation on proposed research involving infectious agents to ensure appropriate containment measures are implemented. Develops and implements corrective action plans for instances of non-compliance, and monitors follow-up to ensure timely and effective resolution.

* Ensures the availability and delivery of comprehensive biosafety training programs for faculty, staff, and students, including core topics such as general biosafety principles, bloodborne pathogens, medical waste management, and the safe shipping and transport of patient samples.

* Oversees the development and implementation of specialized training, including a robust BSL-3 training curriculum for high-containment laboratory work. Collaborates with researchers to develop agent-specific biosafety protocols and exposure response plans tailored to their laboratory activities.

* Participates in the annual National Biocontainment Laboratory/Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (NBL/RBL) Network Meeting as part of the NIAID Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Program. Attends professional conferences, including the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) annual meeting, to stay current with best practices, emerging infectious disease threats, and advances in recombinant research technologies. Engages in relevant workshops, webinars, and training opportunities to remain informed about evolving biosafety regulations, guidance, and their practical implications for institutional compliance and program enhancement.

* Leads or oversees responses to biological incidents, including spills, exposures, and cases of non- compliance, ensuring timely and effective containment and remediation. Documents all incidents thoroughly, conducts root cause analysis as appropriate, and develops mitigation and corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.

* Maintains availability for on-call duties, providing timely support and decision-making during emergencies or after-hours situations to ensure continuous operations and resolve critical issues.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Leadership:

Manages functional area managers.

* Usually reports to a Director.

* Oversees complex and diverse tasks.

* Holds significant budgetary and expenditure authority.

* Formulates and proposes policies for the department or program.

* Assumes substantial HR responsibilities for staff.

Independent Judgement/Problem Solving:

* Develops strategic goals, plans, and policies for a specific area of responsibility. Sets broad objectives and is responsible for overall results. Has the authority to make independent decisions on significant matters. Requires a high degree of independent judgment and problem-solving for complex issues.

Customer Service Relationships:

* Predicts customer needs and motivates others to provide excellent service. Handles sensitive issues and ensures problem resolution. Sets customer service standards and establishes feedback systems for improvement. Holds themselves accountable for service excellence.

STARTING ANNUAL RATE OF PAY: $81,525.00 - $120,000.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences (Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry) or a related field and seven (7) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in

the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

* Knowledge of biosafety regulations and compliance.

o NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules

o CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)

o OSHA regulations (e.g., Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Laboratory Standard)

o Select Agent Regulations (42 CFR Part 73)

o Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Gain-of-Function (GoF) policies

o Clinical trial biosafety considerations (e.g., human gene transfer trials)

o Shipping and transport regulations (IATA and DOT)

* Knowledge of containment and facility design.

o Biosafety Level 1-3+ lab operations and containment principles

o High-containment lab design (e.g., HVAC, directional airflow, HEPA filtration)

o Use of animal biosafety levels (ABSL) and vivarium-specific containment

* Biological sciences background

o Strong foundational understanding of microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and immunology

o Emerging pathogens, synthetic biology, and advanced therapeutics (e.g., mRNA, viral vectors)

* Knowledge of IBC and research Oversight

o Conducts comprehensive biological risk assessments

o Recommends appropriate containment and PPE strategies

o Evaluates novel research techniques for safety implications

* Risk assessment and mitigation experience

o Conducts comprehensive biological risk assessments

o Recommends appropriate containment and PPE strategies

o Evaluates novel research techniques for safety implications

* Experience in Communication and Education

o Clearly explain complex biosafety principles to researchers, administrators, and regulators

o Delivers effective biosafety training to diverse audiences (lab staff, students, clinicians)

o Writes SOPs, protocols, manuals, and incident reports

* Leadership and collaboration experience.

o Coordinates multidisciplinary teams (e.g., EHS, IBC, IACUC, Occupational Health, Maintenance)

o Leads biosafety program initiatives and serve as institutional subject matter expert

o Supports or chair local or national safety-related committees

* Incident management experience.

o Investigates biological spills, exposures, and lab-acquired infections

o Documents and report incidents; recommend corrective/preventive actions

o Interfaces with public health officials and external regulators when required

* Use of database systems (e.g., electronic IBC protocol systems, training platforms)

* Competence with Microsoft Office, online reporting tools, and facility monitoring systems

* Able to interpret and apply Regulations.

o Accurately interpret federal and institutional policies

o Apply regulatory frameworks to a wide range of research activities

* Ability to manage complex programs effectively.

* Able to coach, mentor, and develop others and to take decisive action in emergency situations.

* Proficient in tracking and managing compliance, documentation, and training.

* Capable of exercising independent judgement.

* Competent in making high-pressure decisions involving potential biohazard risks.

* Balance research innovation with safety and compliance

* Committed to promoting awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement in biosafety practices.

* Stay current with new scientific advances and translate them into practical biosafety guidance

* Required to pass entrance exams, Employee Health medical clearance, and FBI security clearance for access and entry into ABSL-3/BSL-3 laboratories.

PERSONAL: Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator, bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and sitting at computer for long periods of time.

For full consideration, please be certain application and resume showcase all related experience as it relates to the job announcement, and please list all certifications and/or licenses, if applicable. Work experience should showcase successful progression in responsibilities and demonstrated leadership skills. Incomplete job profiles will not be processed.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.