EH&S Research Biosafety Specialist, Senior

American Addiction Centers • Winston-Salem, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Research Biosafety - Senior Specialist is responsible for oversight of work involving biological materials in Academic and Research work environments. This role works with departments to minimize occupational health, and safety risks and manages compliance with applicable regulations. This position provides leadership, guidance, and direction in achieving outcomes consistent with the organization, goals, mission, philosophy, and objectives within the Enterprise and Regional protocols, regulatory, accreditation, standards, and academic best practices. The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Research Biosafety - Senior Specialist will develop and implement comprehensive programs, policies, and procedures to ensure all academic and research areas comply with applicable regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Physical Science, Biological Science, Environmental Science/Engineering, Occupational Safety, or related degree.
• 5 years of related minimum experience.
• Experience in Environmental Health and Safety.
• Familiarity with regulatory agency code requirements, and the progressive application of these standards, including, National Institute of Health, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, EPA, and OSHA requirements preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, fundamentals, and best practices, microbiological concepts and biomedical research.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with supervision and professional judgment, and ability to work independently or as a team.
• Detail-oriented, demonstrated organizational and time management skills, and ability to manage/prioritize, track, and complete tasks/projects within established deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to interact professionally and effectively with wide variety of individuals (researchers, staff, students, administrators, and regulators), behaving in accordance with institutional values.
• Committed to customer service, timely response, collaboration, cooperative professional relationships, and diversity.
• Ability to use sound judgment and act decisively in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills.
• The position involves presence in research labs, health care environments, animal facilities, and hazardous waste facilities. These locations may result in occasional occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals, and biological agents.
• Ability to provide detailed reviews covering work with animals and infectious materials, recombinant DNA, and toxins.
• Ability to analyze multiple programs, identify areas needing improvements, and prioritize needs for effective short and long-term strategic planning.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, protective suits, etc.).
• Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits.
• Must be able to access any facility areas to perform inspections, job safety assessments, emergency response, or related activities.
• Knowledge of laboratory containment engineering, lab design, facilities requirements for verification and reverification.
• Competent using PC, office productivity applications, presentation applications, and database applications.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) preferred.
• Experience in biomedical research oversight, design and operations of high containment facilities, animal research, and/or research laboratories preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive biosafety programs to promote safe microbiological practices and procedures to protect overall health and safety of employees and the community.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for research involving biological materials.
• Serve as the Institution Administrator and protocol reviewer for the Institutional Biosafety Committee for laboratory and clinical research.
• Conduct routine inspections of laboratories working with biological materials to ensure compliance with regulatory compliance.
• Leads or participates in incident investigations related to occupational illnesses or exposures and recommends corrective actions to prevent future occurrences through recommendation of appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Provide oversight of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) and Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) containment lab facilities, designed specifically for high-hazard work with infectious agents.
• Provide necessary support and guidance for medical surveillance and occupational health programs required for biomedical research.
• Develop and administer training or educational resources for Research and Academic teammates.
• Directs and interacts with regulatory agency personnel during compliance inspections for research.
• Understands and shares technical expertise with others, including leaders, peers, and teammates and utilizes problem solving skills for complex situations that arise.
• Provide consult for construction, renovation, or demolition projects that affect research and academic facilities.
• Serve as a member of the hazardous materials spill response team, which may also include response on weekends and after regular business hours.
• Participate as Ex Officio member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Chemical Safety Committee (CSC), and other committees as needed.
• Stay current with new regulations, industry trends, and advancements in biosafety/biosecurity, and recommend appropriate changes to existing programs and practices.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees