General Information


Job Description EHS SPEC 4 Working Title Biosafety Officer
Job Code 000358 Grade 24
Department Name Environmental Health & Safety - D01122 Department Head Sheila Hedayati
Supervisor Tiffany Kwok Effective Date
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE
007146 EHS SPEC 3 1.0

Generic Scope
Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Custom Scope
Serves as the technical expert in one of the following fields/disciplines: Laboratory Safety, Radiation Safety, Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, General Safety including Pest Management, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics, Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste, or Environmental Protection. Problems are complex and may require creation of new methodologies by applying professional EH&S knowledge and/or expertise. Serves as technical expert in the development/implementation of programs within one of these fields/disciplines. May represent EH&S regarding the field/discipline at meetings and conferences involving academic compliance committees, campus, system wide, local government, state and federal levels of authority in matters related to field of expertise. Decision-making is based on established procedures and integration/interpretation of relevant laws, regulations and organizational policy; professional best practices; relevant science methodology, impact on other EH&S programs; and senior management approvals. Decisions may impact other EH&S programs, departments, segments of the organization and/or organization-wide.

Department Custom Scope
Under the direction of the Research Safety Programs Manager, the incumbent will serve as the campus Biosafety Officer (BSO). As the technical leader in the field biosafety, the BSO in collaboration with campus faculty and staff, will manage the efficient and integrated delivery of biosafety services on campus and at UCR Health clinic locations. The BSO will perform complex audits of research laboratories, provide specialized training, act as the subject matter expert on all campus-related and UCR Health clinics biological safety issues and ensure safe procedures are properly followed. The BSO may also represent EH&S to campus management during meetings and conferences. The BSO will schedule and conduct independent general laboratory safety evaluations and inspections to identify and evaluate a wide variety of potential hazards in the work place. The BSO will also work with institutional committees such as the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Research & Effectiveness (IRE), and High-Containment Laboratory Oversight Group (HCLOG) to ensure the safe use of biohazardous materials in research. As the subject matter expert in the field, the BSO will be a point of contact for all biosafety issues related to Federal and State regulations and Campus Policies and Procedures.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required
Advanced degree in biology, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, virology, or a related discipline and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
6 - 10 years of related experience. Required
Experience in a high containment facility (Biosafety Level 3/Animal Biosafety Level 3) environment, working with infectious agents and/or recombinant DNA technologies. Preferred

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement
Professional certification. Preferred
Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) Preferred
Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) Preferred

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Performs complex technical work in one or more of the following fields: industrial hygiene, safety, occupational safety, ergonomics, environmental health pest management, controlled substances, laser safety, environmental protection, fire safety, radiation safety, hazardous materials control, and hazardous waste management (including shipping).
  • Develops, updates and implements a comprehensive biological safety program including Institutional biosafety policies, guidelines and procedures with emphasis on enhancing program quality and customer service and ensuring compliance with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for research involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)/NIH biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories, OSHA, Cal/OSHA and other applicable county, state and federal regulations.
15
Monitors compliance and prevents hazards, and may serve as organization liaison with regulatory agencies.
  • Responsible for oversight of the campus and UCR Health Clinic's biosafety program ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations including federal, state and county regulations and UC systemwide policies and guidelines.
15
Provides input to federal and state regulators through trade associations and industry groups for writing and revision of regulations.
  • Enhances and maintains a working relationship with Federal, State and County Regulatory Agencies (USDA, APHIS, Cal/OSHA, CDPH, local health care agencies, Fire Department, etc.) Represents the interests of the campus to various agencies.
10
Writes and updates manuals and procedures.
  • Works closely with research staff, faculty, students, research support units, other university units, institutional committees to promote safe practices, procedures, proper use of containment equipment and facilities assuring safety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance.
10
Inspects, investigates incidents and complaints, and recommends corrective action as needed.
10
Develops procedures using a combination of original and standard professional approaches/techniques to solve substantive, complex problems with multiple variables.
5
Performs or directs outreach and communication to organization within relevant field(s).
  • Serves as the Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the Federal Select Agent program (USDA/CDC) and carries out all responsibilities of Responsible Official (RO) to be in compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program.
5
Applies appropriate scientific and professional standards to recommend organization/university policies and programs and, as needed, create new methodologies.
5
Provides expert counsel by evaluating, interpreting and applying laws, regulations, codes and standards across complexity of environmental, health, and safety disciplines.
5
Drafts reports and other documentation, including use of relevant scientific data.
  • Conducts routine compliance audits, identifies and coordinates corrective actions, and establishes and implements effective control measures for biological hazards.
5
Maintains knowledge/expertise with existing and proposed changes of all regulations in all subject areas.
5
Carry out any additional assignments or special projects as deemed necessary by EH&S leadership.
5
Participates in the incident response system, responding as requested to after-hours incidents that require joint cooperation between Fire, Police, Facilities Services, EH&S, and other units. Works occasional evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays.
5

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required. Required
Advanced or expert knowledge/understanding of broad range of EH&S fields and familiarity with all EH&S fields. Required
Advanced or expert knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards, guidelines and, as appropriate, recommend organization policy. Required
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including advanced political acumen and skill to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies in a highly political environment. Required
Advanced skill to effectively represent the organization to state and federal authorities, and community groups. Required
Advanced analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within budget and time constraints. Required
Advanced skill in mentoring or overseeing the work of other EH&S technical and professional staff. Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement
Must possess or obtain a Valid CA Driver License in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, if driving a university/personal vehicle for university related business. Required

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
Direction

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment
  • Respirator
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Personal/University Vehicle

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Frequently
  • Sit : Frequently
  • Squat : Frequently
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Crawl : N/A
  • Walk : Frequently
  • Climb : Occasionally
  • Other : Frequently reach above shoulder level, occasionally use fine finger movements.

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Write : Frequently
  • Perform Calculations : Constantly
  • Communicate Orally : Constantly
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : Yes
  • Is around moving machinery : Yes
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : Yes
  • Drives motorized equipment : No
  • Works in confined quarters : Yes
  • Dust : Yes
  • Fumes : Yes

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: Yes

More Information

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