Environmental Health & Safety and Biosafety Senior Manager/Assistant Director

Full-time, 12-month position based in Stockton, CA. Work performed during standard business hours; occasional additional hours and site visits required. Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive for University business are required.

About the Role

The Environmental Health & Safety and Biosafety Senior Manager/Assistant Director develops, implements, and maintains 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 NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, supporting researchers applying for NIH and other federal grants by ensuring appropriate biohazard disposal plans and safety protocols. The position is hands-on, managing day-to-day EH&S operations 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.

Responsibilities

• Biosafety Program Management:
  • Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biosafety program ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, including NIH Guidelines, 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.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance and regulatory liaison to agencies including NIH, CDC, California Department of Public Health, and USDA/APHIS.
  • Review grant applications for biohazardous material use; assess risks, identify 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.
  • 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 and promote compliance.
• Environmental Health & Safety Operations:
  • Oversee the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste materials, including chemical and biohazardous waste pickup, to ensure compliance with 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.
  • Oversee radiation monitoring and ensure compliance with all applicable radiation safety regulations, 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.
• Training and Compliance:
  • Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and students on EHS and biosafety topics, including 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.

Requirements

• Senior Manager:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, occupational safety and health, or a related discipline.
  • 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.
• Assistant Director:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, occupational safety and health, or a related discipline.
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more (5+) years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, 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), 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.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both the outdoors and a standard office environment, requiring frequent walking, standing, simple grasping, climbing stairs, stooping, and reaching.
• Office work includes periods of sitting with repetitive hand/wrist motion while using a computer keyboard and phone.
• Frequent verbal and written communication.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to hazardous materials and biological agents.
• Must be eligible to wear a respirator.

Pay

$90,000 - $99,713 per year. We consider factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.