Biosafety Manager

About the role

The Biosafety Manager (BSM) reports directly to the Director of Biosafety/Biosafety Officer and assumes the responsibility of providing biosafety support in the research laboratories and assisting the director in regulatory compliance guidance. BSM will serve across as the entity's BSL-1 and BSL-2 primary contact for laboratory inspections along with service on the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) supporting the IBC Coordinator to provide end-to-end support of IBC submissions and Committee activities. BSM will also on additional committees i.e. IACUC, as the entity biosafety expert regarding laboratory operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Specialized experience with Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) support and administration.
• Experience serving on an IBC or IACUC.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a CDC and Department of Justice background checks as required in accordance with the Federal Select Agent regulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a professional biosafety credential per ABSA International.

Physical Demands

• Work environment is varied and includes, but is not limited to, work within laboratories including containment environments, field, office, animal facilities, and hazardous waste storage facilities.
• Satisfactory pre-placement medical assessment and annual medical clearance and is to include participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program which may include respiratory protection program.
• Driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting university business.
• Wear a respirator and personal protective equipment.
• Some heavy lifting.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists the UGA Biosafety Officer in coordinating and carrying out duties related to the biosafety program.
• Oversee compliance review of BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories in accordance with institutional guidelines and federal regulations by serving as the primary liaison for faculty and staff.
• Provide technical and regulatory compliance, advice assessing physical and health risks associated with the use of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, human or non-human primate (NHP) tissue or cells, and organisms containing recombinant DNA.
• Oversee compliance of the UGA autoclave program according to UGA, Federal and local waste regulations.
• Serves as the primary liaison for faculty and staff relating to laboratory inspections by managing schedules, records and providing follow-up communications between UGA researchers and the Office of Biosafety.

• Assists the UGA Biological Safety Officer and IBC Coordinator in carrying out duties related to the biosafety program.
• Provides administrative assistance and review of IBC registration forms in accordance with institutional guidelines and federal regulations; maintains safety related databases associated with the IBC: serves as an additional liaison for faculty and staff relating to IBC oversight; assists in managing schedules, meeting agendas, records and minutes, provides follow-up communications between the IBC/and faculty applicants and serves as a liaison with other research committees.

• Assists in the development and implementation of a laboratory based biosafety program for university labs.
• Affords assistance in reviews/writes biosafety manuals and SOP’s, performs risk assessments for BSL-1-BSL-3 labs, advises on waste decontamination and disposal and general laboratory compliance operations for all laboratories.
• Serves as a resource for university personnel in obtaining support in areas outside of biosafety, i.e. chemical monitoring, general safety, etc.
• Trains personnel on basic biosafety practices and procedure and general laboratory safety as needed.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)?

Yes

Contact Information

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

• Recruitment Contact Name: Lisa Kelly
• Recruitment Contact Email: lmkelly@uga.edu
• Recruitment Contact Phone: