Senior Manager/Assistant Director Environmental Health, Safety and Biosafety

University of the Pacific•Stockton, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Health & Safety and Biosafety Senior Manager/Assistant Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive environmental health, safety, and biosafety programs to ensure a safe and compliant campus environment. This role serves as the University’s designated BioSafety Officer (BSO) under the National Institute of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, providing critical support to researchers applying for NIH and other federal grants by ensuring appropriate biohazard disposal plans and safety protocols are in place. The position is hands-on, managing day-to-day EH&S operations including chemical and biohazardous waste pickup, ergonomic assessments, radiation monitoring, and trip hazard assessments, while dedicating 30% to 40% of effort to biosafety responsibilities. This role is essential as the University expands its research enterprise, increases externally funded research activities, and prepares to launch a new medical school program. Pacific offers full-time employees a unique opportunity to live on our beautiful campus at below-market rental rates—helping you save time and money on your commute.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, occupational safety and health, or a related discipline.
For Senior Manager: Three (3) years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, with a focus on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety.
For Assistant Director: Five (5) years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, with a focus on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety.

Nice To Haves

Five or more (5+) years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, with a focus on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety, preferably in an academic or research setting.
Master’s degree in biological sciences, public health, environmental health, or a related field.
Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) or Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Five or more (5+) years of experience in an academic or research environment with diverse research and development activities, including biological, chemical, and radiological research.
Experience serving as an Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO) or in a comparable biosafety leadership role.
Strong knowledge of EHS and biosafety regulations, including Cal/ OSHA, NIH, CDC, Federal Select Agent Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Department of Public Health, State & Regional Water Quality Control Boards, EPA, DEA, and State Fire Marshal requirements.
Demonstrated experience supporting researchers with grant applications, including NIH and other federal funding mechanisms.
Experience developing and delivering training programs to diverse audiences in a university setting.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with experience preparing reports and interpreting data.
Ability to work independently in a complex, decentralized environment.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biosafety program ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and policies including the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (Cal/ OSHA Title 8, Section 5193).
Serve as the University’s designated Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO), maintaining required registrations with NIH and ensuring ongoing federal compliance.
Serve as the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory liaison to agencies including NIH, CDC, California Department of Public Health, and USDA/APHIS, and biological risk assessment.
Review grant applications for biohazardous material use; engage principal investigators to understand proposed activities, assess risks, identify appropriate safety controls, and develop biosafety protocols and disposal plans required for NIH and other federal funding.
Provide expert guidance to researchers to ensure grant proposals include compliant biohazard disposal plans, laboratory safety controls, and institutional approvals to facilitate successful award funding.
Coordinate Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) operations, including agendas, presentations, meeting facilitation, and minutes; maintain committee membership and ensure annual registration updates with NIH.
Support compliance with NIH Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) Policy and applicable select agent regulations (42 CFR Part 73; 7 CFR Part 331).
Conduct routine laboratory inspections to assess biosafety, chemical safety, radiation safety, and general lab safety; develop standardized checklists; engage faculty to identify corrective actions and promote compliance.
Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste materials, including chemical and biohazardous waste pickup, to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (EPA, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, State & Regional Water Quality Control Boards).
Conduct ergonomic assessments and studies to evaluate workplace conditions and recommend corrective actions to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Oversee radiation monitoring and ensure compliance with all applicable radiation safety regulations and protocols, including managing the University’s radioactive materials license and oversight of x-ray generating devices.
Conduct trip and fall hazard assessments and other workplace safety evaluations; recommend and implement corrective measures.
Lead incident investigations into accidents and spills, identifying root causes and recommending preventative measures.
Coordinate emergency response activities for chemical spills, biological exposures, and other hazardous materials incidents, including after-hours response as needed.
Maintain accurate records of safety inspections, training sessions, waste manifests, and compliance activities; prepare reports for regulatory agencies as required.
Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and students on EHS and biosafety topics, including but not limited to emergency response, hazardous materials handling, bloodborne pathogens, laboratory safety, and workplace safety.
Review regulations and maintain a working knowledge of safety, environmental, and biosafety requirements; serve as the primary contact with regulatory agencies and ensure timely reporting and documentation.
Support the University’s sustainability goals by managing waste reduction, pollution prevention, and resource conservation programs.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.