Director, Biosafety - Provost Administration
Job Description:
Plans, directs, and manages the biosafety programs of the Institution under the direction of senior management. Works with various departments and committees to ensure compliance with regulations. Serves as a partner and point of contact with regulatory agencies. Must be able to work in an academic and deadline driven environment.
Scope: Institution-wide
Essential Job Functions:
- Plans, develops, directs, and evaluates the personnel within the biosafety function of the institution and provides leadership direction to management.
- Recognizes, evaluates, recommends, and implements policies and procedures for preventing biological hazards and diseases throughout the institution.
- Reviews and incorporates health and safety standards as promulgated by all regulating agencies. Keeps fully informed on all existing and proposed changes in the respective biological and l regulations.
- Interprets rules, regulations, and guidelines with scientific knowledge and analytical methods to conclude appropriate decisions that may be considered innovative or leading edge.
- As an Alternate Responsible Official for the university’s select agent program, this position assists the Responsible Official, with implementation of and ensuring compliance with all aspects of the University Select Agent Program in accordance with applicable select agent regulations.
- Ensures that quality control procedures are established to monitor all aspects of federal, state and local regulations.
- Provides advanced professional knowledge and expertise to develop and support staff members within Environmental Health and Safety programs and the University community.
- Provides committee support for the General Safety Committee, Hazardous Material Subcommittee and is a voting member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in chemistry, microbiology, or related field, plus 5 years related experience including 3 years’ experience in management.
- Experience working in a biocontainment facility (BSL3 or higher); and must be familiar with applicable guidelines for all laboratory and animal containment levels (A/BSL1-A/BSL4).
- Experience specifically implementing select agent regulations (42 CFR Part 73, 9 CFR Part 121, 7 CFR Part 331).
- Experience specifically implementing NIH Guidelines for Research Involving recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate degree in microbiology, virology, molecular biology, or related field, plus 7 years related experience including 5 years’ experience in management
- Should be registered with the American Biological Safety Association as a Registered Biological Safety Professional or a Certified Biological Safety Professional.
- 40-hour HAZWOPER certification; Incident Command certification; Department of Justice (DOJ) SRA approval, and DOT/IATA certification for shipping hazardous materials.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Computer skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Ability to problem solve
Equal Employment Opportunity:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
