Biosafety Manager

Arc Institute • Palo Alto, CA

2d • $127,000 - $157,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Arc Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology. Based in Palo Alto, it partners with Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco. More than 300 employees work at its headquarters, supported by long-term philanthropic funding.

The Biosafety Manager develops, implements, supports, administers, and manages Arc’s Biosafety Program. The role establishes and leads the program and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) operations, provides biosafety expertise to researchers and regulators, reviews research protocols involving biohazards, and supports regulatory compliance through training, inspections, and guidance. The position also provides backup coverage and shared leadership across Arc’s general Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) program, including safety programs, environmental compliance, risk assessments, investigations, and emergency response.

The position requires at least five years of laboratory experience, including at least three years in EH&S and biosafety, with a strong grounding in virology or microbiological sciences. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; an advanced degree and professional certifications are preferred. The base salary range is $127,000–$157,000, and the position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and participation in the Institute’s Compound Cash Grant Program.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of laboratory experience, including at least 3 years in Environmental Health & Safety and Biosafety, with a strong grounding in virology or microbiological sciences.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biology, microbiology, occupational safety and health, or a related field.
• Expert knowledge of biosafety and laboratory safety practices, including biosafety cabinet operation, fume hoods and ventilation, PPE, and chemical safety and storage.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to prioritize resources, positively influence group behaviors, and build consensus on safety best practices.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and as part of a dynamic team, with a positive attitude, urgency, and a bias toward action.
• Interest in learning new techniques, maintaining accurate records, following instructions, and complying with company policies.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD; an advanced degree in a biological, life science, or related field is preferred.
• Certification as a Biosafety Professional (CBSP), Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Knowledge and experience in Animal Research Occupational Health and Safety.
• Experience conducting laboratory animal research involving biohazardous or hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Arc Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee operations to oversee biological agent use.
• Serve as the biosafety subject matter expert for researchers and represent Arc to local, state, and federal authorities; provide input on the development and revision of regulations.
• Review IBC protocols involving biohazards or potentially biohazardous materials, provide pre-review guidance, and manage approvals and renewals in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Validate biosafety compliance through site inspections and follow up on biological use authorizations.
• Advise on biosafety requirements for proposed research, work, and facilities, and provide technical guidance on biological material permits, shipping, and material transfer agreements.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate biosafety training, including employee onboarding, and maintain the biosafety manual and related materials.
• Participate in relevant committees, such as IACUC, as an EH&S and biosafety resource.
• Maintain on-call availability for emergencies such as spills, directing or performing field response as needed.
• Provide shared EH&S leadership and subject matter expertise, and advise the administrative team on safety and compliance for projects and operations.
• Help maintain EH&S programs, procedures, and tracking systems, including chemical inventories, safety data sheets, near-miss reporting, and permits; contribute expertise to bloodborne pathogens, chemical safety, radiation safety, and controlled substances programs.
• Support delivery of EH&S employee safety and onboarding training.
• Contribute to environmental compliance, including wastewater discharge permits, hazardous waste requirements, and regulatory permitting; provide backup coverage for hazardous waste programs, vendor contracting, and agency contacts.
• Participate in risk assessments, safety audits, inspections, and laboratory walkthroughs; identify hazards, support remediation, and recommend improvements.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, injuries, and complaints involving potential hazards or unsafe conditions to determine causes and preventive measures.
• Help coordinate safety equipment procurement and maintenance, manage supply inventory, and respond to hazardous-material emergencies.

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus, dependent on individual and institute performance factors.
• Eligibility to participate in the Compound Cash Grant Program, which provides multi-year cash grants paid in semi-annual installments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level