University of Virginia

Biosafety Manager

 

The University of Virginia invites letters of application, curriculum vitae, and nominations for the position of Biosafety Manager.

 

The Position

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive biological safety program throughout all research laboratories at the University of Virginia that meet NIH, CDC, OSHA and granting agency requirements.  The Biosafety Program will provide guidance and consultation to assess the risk of working with human, animal and plant pathogens, human tissues, fluids, cells or cell cultures, recombinant DNA materials, gene therapy, and infected laboratory research animals or plants.

 

Qualifications

·                     Requires a Masters degree with applicable studies in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biosafety, public health, infectious diseases or environmental health.

·                     Ph.D. and Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP through ABSA) or completion of recognized formal biosafety training program is preferred. 

·                     Several years of direct experience in biological safety required.

·                     A strong background in microbiology and recombinant DNA techniques required.

·                     Demonstrated experience in biosafety issues relating to the use of infected animals in research. 

·                     Excellent written and oral communications skills. 

·                     The person holding this position must not be a "restricted person" under the requirements necessary for Possession, Use and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins as defined in 42 C.F.R. Part 1003; specifically, Security Risk Assessments – 73.8 see website:  http://www.oig.hhs.gov/authorities/docs/SelectAgentsToxinsCMPAuthorityIF.pdf .  Applicants will be required to consent to a criminal background check, and any offer will be contingent upon further examination and documentation that the successful candidate is eligible for certification by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to this regulation.

 

Application letters citing the above qualifications, curriculum vitae, and three references will be considered.  The position is open until filled; however responses by February 28, 2003 are strongly encouraged. Candidates should forward all materials to the Biosafety Manager Search Committee, University Staffing, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400127, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4127.   For more information contact Frank DiGiacomo at 434-924-4748 or Lea Moore at 434-982-2265.

 

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

 Women and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

PLEASE NOTE: SEE THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THIS POSITION BELOW

 

Biosafety Manager Position


The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and oversight of a comprehensive biological safety program throughout all research laboratories at the University of Virginia that meets NIH, CDC, OSHA and granting agency requirements.  The Biosafety Program will provide guidance and consultation to assess the risk of working with human, animal and plant pathogens and toxins, human tissues, fluids, cells or cell cultures, recombinant DNA materials, gene therapy, and infected laboratory research animals or plants.

 

Major Duties And Responsibilities:

 

(1) Serve as the Institutional Biological Safety Officer and major resource for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (the IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) by:

 

  • Participating in the review of research protocols involving the use of infectious agents, rDNA, and/or gene transfer (gene therapy) studies to provide input required for IBC approval of these protocols.
  • Participating as an ex-officio member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee.
  • Assisting investigators and staff with all matters related to biosafety (regulations/guidelines and interpretation for biological agents and rDNA, biological agent shipping requirements, bio-containment practices, risk assessment, work procedures and practices, decontamination and disinfection procedures, use and maintenance of containment equipment).
  • Updating and maintaining the policies and procedures on the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Office Biosafety web pages.
  • Overseeing the development of a database of microorganisms handled and rDNA experiments being conducted at the University.
  • Developing training materials and providing biosafety training to University researchers covering safety equipment, containment practices, bio-security, shipping procedures, and biohazardous waste management.
  • Interacting with Occupational Health and Emergency Department positions on issues of risk assessment, disease prevention, and disaster response.
  • Auditing laboratories and work practices and communicating findings to management.
  • Developing and maintain a biosafety cabinet certification program database.
  • Other duties pertinent to the function of a comprehensive biological safety program.

 

(2) Serve as the “Responsible Official” and represent the University for all compliance issues associated with the “Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins” per the regulatory statutes of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, Public Law 107-188.

  • The person holding this position must not be a "restricted person" under the requirements necessary for Possession, Use and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins as defined in 42 C.F.R. Part 1003; specifically, Security Risk Assessments – 73.8.

 

Educational and Certification Requirements:

 

Requires a Masters degree with applicable studies in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biosafety, public health, infectious diseases or environmental health with direct experience in biological safety. Ph.D. or Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP through ABSA) or completion of recognized formal biosafety training programs is preferred. Must have a strong background in microbiology and recombinant DNA techniques. Must be knowledgeable in biosafety issues relating to the use of infected animals in research. Must possess good written and oral communications skills. Must be successful in obtaining security risk assessment approval as specified in the Select Agent regulations.