Careers

Description:

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Health Sciences Administration has an outstanding opportunity open for a Temporary Full Time BIOSAFETY Officer.

Position Purpose:

Provide Institutional BIOSAFETY Support for a comprehensive, University-wide BIOSAFETY Program to assure regulatory compliance and protection of faculty, staff, students, and the community. This position is essential for the support of the University’s research. This position must exercise significant judgment, discretion, risk management, and professional expertise in the interpretation and application of federal, state, local, and University policies, protocols, and regulations.

Position Complexities:

This position requires thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations, as well as funding agency guidelines related to the use of biological agents and recombinant DNA in a research setting. Requires expertise in BIOSAFETY Level-3 practices and BIOSAFETY Level-2 containment and practices. Must interface effectively with Office of Animal Welfare, IACUC, Institutional BIOSAFETY Committee (IBC), Human Subjects Division, Principle Investigators, other research staff, animal care staff, and topical experts.

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:

This position is responsible for the review and approval of complex research projects which may involve significant hazards, and which require compliance with many complex regulations, such as NIH, CDC, and funder sponsor driven environmental health, and safety specifications. This position has authority on behalf of the IBC and includes new projects, three year renewals and significant changes in coordination with Human Subjects Division, IACUC, and other UW authorities. This position is responsible for develping a compliant and effective BIOSAFETY Program as well as implementation processes. This position is integral to the University’s research enterprise. Compliance with the Recombinant DNA guidelines is critical to maintaining the federal funding the University receives. Compliance with guidelines governing infectious agents is critical to the protection of the community, public and employee health, as well as the protection of the University’s image. The BIOSAFETY officer is integral to this compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities:

55% On behalf of the UW Institutional BIOSAFETY Committee: evaluate, review, and approve research proposals, laboratory operations, and laboratory facilities for all aspects of BIOSAFETY to assure approproate safety controls, containment, and compliance with CDC, NIH, and federal, state, local, and University requirements. Included review of scientific materials, complex projects, and field inspections/survey of research involving: biological agents, recombinant DNA, human gene therapy and clinical trials, IACUC animal protocols, etc. Review facility designs for new and existing facilities and laboratories where biological agents and recombinant DNA are used.

45% Develop and Support the BIOSAFETY Program: Develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes required for the implementation of an effective, compliant, and efficient BIOSAFETY program. Provide regulatory/compliance interpretations and technical assistance to research and service units. Develop and provide educational materials and training. Work closely with research staff, faculty, students, university units, and institutional committees to promote safe laboratory practices, procedures, proper use of containment equipment and facilities, and the assurance of safety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance. Conduct compliance audits, identify corrective actions, prepare written status and compliance reports. Provide reports on BIOSAFETY status, issues, compliance and program effectiveness to the Institutional BIOSAFETY Committee and management. Respond to, investigate, and follow up with biological safety incidents. Serve on institutional committees as assigned.

Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Health, Public Health or related field
Four years professional experience in a research setting
Four to five years professional experience in biological safety programs; knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements that govern BIOSAFETY, lab safety, infectious waste management
Demonstrated teamwork, client service, and decision-making skills, ability to foster collegial and cooperative relationships with co-workers and clients. Requires exceptional written and oral communication skills in working with administrators, employees, research departments, health and safety staff, and regulatory agencies.
Exceptional problem solving and risk assessment skills
Must be able to manage time and priorities effectively
Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License
Able to wear negative and positive respirators, and personal protective equipment
Successful completion of background check by DOJ/CDC
Maintain medical clearance to work in biohazard locations
Maintain federal security clearance and suitability assessment clearance for Select Agent Program

Desired:

MS or PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Health, Public Health or related field
Four years of professional experience in biological safety programs
Certification as Biological Safety Professional. Experience with BSL-3 laboratories

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.