Health Safety Specialist I (Senior Biosafety)

About the role

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Health Safety Specialist I (Senior Biosafety) for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). The division employs approximately 2,700 staff and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, including planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations across the State of New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Assist or has a program responsible for the development, implementation, and auditing of environmental, health, and safety programs. All services and activities are carried out and performed without adverse health effects to faculty, staff, students, or public, in a manner that will protect the environment, in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, accepted professional standards, University policies and procedures, and in an open and sensitive manner so that University’s resources are conserved and future liability is limited.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or life sciences, plus five or more years of progressively responsible experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Certification in the health/safety profession or training, or eligible experience sufficient to become certified in the applicable health/safety profession, with intent to become certified.
• In-depth knowledge of regulations and professional practice; demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, and other related conventions, healthcare, bloodborne pathogens, transportation of hazardous and etiological materials, hazardous chemicals in laboratories, and other relevant subjects, including those of CDC, NJDOH, PEOSH, and OSHA.
• Experience with translational science, skills to assess risks in bridging bench research to clinical applications, including expertise in recombinant DNA technology, infectious agent handling, and vector systems.
• Ability to conduct rigorous, evidence-based risk assessments (hazard identification, exposure assessment), interpret complex regulations (e.g., CDC/NIH), and manage biological safety programs for translational, clinical, and research labs.
• Ability to complete a security risk assessment by the U.S. Department of Justice and obtain approval for access to select biological agents and toxins by the CDC/DHHS.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, along with time management skills to routinely address multiple issues and activities.
• Active membership and participation in an EH&S professional society.
• Ability to wear and use respiratory protection and other PPE; ability to work in a variety of working conditions, including heights, confined or restricted spaces, temperature extremes, outdoors, etc.
• Safe driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability, experience, judgement, and maturity to carry out all departmental responsibilities with limited supervision and to interact effectively with the University community.
• Status as a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP), or experience and knowledge to obtain credentials, is preferred.
• Knowledge, use, and limitation of various sampling equipment and associated software.
• Ability to use a PC, Word, Excel, PPT, and other EH&S software programs and databases.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Pay

Minimum Salary: $94,492.00

Mid Range Salary: $119,604.00

Maximum Salary: $144,715.00

Final salary offer may be determined by qualifications, experience, expertise, availability of department or grant funds, market benchmarks, and internal equity.

Schedule

Full‑time position with standard hours of 37.5 per week.

Work Arrangement: Standard Hours; Union Description: Admin Assembly (MPSC); Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft Seniority Unit; Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month; Pension Eligibility: ABP.