Biological Safety Professional - Environmental Health and Safety

About the role

The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Biological Safety Professional. This position supports more than 80 Principal Investigators and a dedicated community of research professionals, technicians, and students. Serving as UMKC’s Biological Safety Officer, the successful candidate will provide leadership and subject matter expertise for the university’s biological safety program.

Responsibilities

• Lead UMKC’s biological safety program through strong, collaborative partnerships with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral researchers, laboratory staff, students, and other institutional stakeholders.
• Partner with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and collaborate closely with the IBC Compliance Office to support the university’s biosafety oversight program, including coordinating and facilitating IBC meetings, reviewing research protocols involving biological materials, providing regulatory guidance, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on biosafety and biosecurity matters, providing technical guidance regarding laboratory facilities, containment practices, biological risk assessments, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations, guidelines, and policies governing biological research and the use of biological agents.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve evidence-based policies, procedures, and best practices that promote a safe research environment and prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposures.
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments of laboratories and other areas where biological hazards may be present; identify, document, and communicate findings and partner with researchers to implement corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents, exposures, and near misses; determine root causes, recommend corrective and preventive measures, and support their successful implementation.
• Develop and deliver training, consultation, and outreach programs to promote awareness of biosafety requirements and foster a culture of safety throughout the research community.
• Promote teamwork within the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and contribute to other departmental programs, initiatives, and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities in biosafety, laboratory safety, research compliance, or biological research have been acquired.
• Master’s Degree in Biosafety/Biosecurity, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences preferred
• Hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant DNA (rDNA) preferred
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire preferred
• Eligibility to sit for the Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) examination or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire preferred

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.