Biosafety Officer

Title: Biosafety Officer

Employee Classification: Biosafety Officer

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Research & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Research & Innovation

Department: UNT-Rsrch Supp Integrity & Compli-190200

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Research Integrity and Compliance (RIC) unit within the Division of Research & Innovation is committed to serving, educating, and supporting the UNT research community by assuring the Institution and investigators are conducting research in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, and university policies and procedures. RIC administers and oversees UNT's research compliance programs, including but not limited to: IRB, IACUC, COI, Export Controls, and RCR.

Position Overview

As a member of the Research Integrity Compliance staff in the Division of Research Innovation, the Biosafety Officer provides professional expertise to University researchers in the evaluation and control of biological hazards. The Biosafety Officer promotes safe practices and procedures, stimulates responsible activities among faculty, staff and students, and provides education and guidance to safely conduct biological research. In addition, this position plays a key leadership role on the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and ensures compliance with National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other applicable regulatory bodies as it pertains to biological research. This position works collaboratively with biological safety personnel in Risk Management Services, as well as with the Research Integrity Compliance unit.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or related field and four years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously. Capable of working sidebyside with faculty, staff, students, Compliance, Legal and other professionals. Skill in the use of computers and applicable technology. Knowledge of regulations, trends, and best practices related to biosafety. Ability to act in a professional fashion when coordinating with external agencies in matters related to biosafety.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree and/or Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related field and four years of directly related professional experience. Certification through ABSA or other related credentials.

Job Duties

• Provide professional oversight of research and teaching spaces that involve biological hazards and/or regulatory liability. 
• Manage and administer the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and act as a voting member. Maintain associated IBC charter. 
• Support other research compliance committees such as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB). 
• Provide outreach opportunities and training to educate stakeholders about critical research compliance objectives. 
• In conjunction with Risk Management Services, review and update the University Biosafety Manual and develop standard operating procedures as appropriate.
• Perform research facility inspections where biological hazards exist (this may be in conjunction with Risk Management Services). Investigate and respond to biological incidents and emergencies within research facilities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, NIH and CDC guidelines, as well as other regulatory agencies regarding biosafety matters. Act as a primary contact for agencies such as NIH, FDA, and USDA in matters involving research compliance and biological work. 

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Essential personnel position requires ability to work evenings and weekends in the event of crisis or emergency response incidents.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.