Biosafety Officer

Georgia State University • Atlanta, GA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Georgia State University has been one of the fastest growing research universities in the nation over the past decade. The Office of Research and Environmental Safety (ORES) at Georgia State University is dedicated to supporting research and instructional laboratories, animal facilities, and environmental programs to ensure regulatory compliance, guidance, and best practices for the health and safety of our campuses and surrounding community. We strive to create an environment that fosters excellence, teamwork, and accountability. ORES is a vital part of the Office of Research, under the Vice President for Research & Economic Development. Within ORES, the Biosafety Office staff and programs are essential to the operational backbone of the university’s research involving biological materials and compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program. ORES seeking (1) dedicated and experienced Biosafety Officer.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Public Health, or related field and three years of related experience.
• Certification by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (CIH), Board of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), and/or American Biological Safety Association (CBSP) required.
• Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to pass U.S. Department of Justice security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an academic setting preferred.
• Certification or ability to become certified for DOT and IATA biological materials shipping within the first 6 months of hire.
• Training or the ability complete training in HAZWOPER (40 hours) within the first 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Review and assess research proposals involving the use of biological materials, animals, laboratory operations and facilities, and construction/renovation plans, for all aspects of biosafety to ensure appropriate health and safety controls, containment, and compliance with NIH, CDC, USDA, and other federal, state, local, and University requirements; provide feedback and assist Principal Investigators regarding research involving biological materials. Reviews biological materials indicated on Materials Transfer Agreements for alignment with approved biosafety protocols.
• Provides support to the Senior Biosafety Officer for administration of the GSU Select Agents and Toxins Program. Participate in the development and annual review of the Institutional Biosafety Manual, occupational health plans, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, presentations, and training.
• Manage and implement the autoclave program including standard operating procedure development, training, ordering/distributing supplies, and validation testing tracking. Assist with biomedical waste disposal and maintain associated records. Ensures biohazardous materials are packaged, labeled, stored, transported, and disposed of properly.
• Manage the biological/infectious substance shipping program ensuring compliance with the DOT, IATA, and FAA. Monitors research proposals and shipments for export control requirements and solicits ad hoc reviews, as necessary.
• Performs routine site inspections to ensure proper safety procedures are being followed and that regulatory requirements are being met. Prepares and provides reports of such inspections.
• Respond to laboratory and research facility emergencies, conduct incident investigations, provide incident reports, and develop and implement corrective action measures, as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• A rapidly growing research portfolio

What This Job Offers

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