Biosafety Officer

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

1d • $51,979 - $72,946 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is seeking a laboratorian to act as the Biosafety Officer (BSO). This position will oversee biosafety training and practices to prevent exposure to hazards associated with biological materials, multi-drug-resistant and emerging pathogens, and bioterrorism threats for the HETL Clinical Microbiology Section. The person in this position develops and monitors adherence to laboratory biosafety programs, provides related workforce biosafety training for the clinical microbiology section, assists the section with biological risk assessments and risk mitigation plans, and works cohesively with key system partners and public health officials to improve communications and emergency management and response practices. Efficient communication skills, knowledge of microbiology and general laboratory practices, and experience in laboratory safety, training, outreach, and quality management systems are necessary for this position.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field.
• Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory operations.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments, root cause analysis, and continuous quality improvement.
• Experience in conducting small and large safety trainings for: safety, PPE, OSHA blood-borne pathogen, biosafety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, gloveboxes, spills, decontamination, biomedical waste, and sharps use.
• Professional certifications such as Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or ABSA International offers a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and certification Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), and the ability to meet all Select Agent federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate laboratory procedures, facility designs, and equipment to identify and mitigate biological risks
• Collaborate with the safety committee, occupational health, and other partners to build an effective comprehensive biosafety program that includes chemical, radiological, and other safety areas.
• Interpret and enforce local, state, and federal biosafety standards, ensuring the laboratory maintains full regulatory compliance
• Educate staff on safety protocols, proper PPE usage, and the secure shipping of hazardous/infectious materials.
• Maintain bi-annually IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certifications for staff.
• Participate in the Federal Select Agent program.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• six weeks of fully paid parental leave

What This Job Offers

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