Job Information
Texas A&M University Associate Biological Safety Officer in United States
Job Title
Associate Biological Safety Officer
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
Research Compliance & Biosafety Programs
Proposed Minimum Salary
$8,280.29 monthly
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who We Are
The Division of Research supports one of the largest research universities in the United States and is committed to a truly comprehensive university where students, researchers, and inventors bring scholarship and innovation to bear for the benefit of the community, the state, and the nation. Texas A&M’s research creates new knowledge that provides basic, fundamental, and applied contributions resulting, in many cases, in economic benefits to the state, nation and world. To learn more, visit https://vpr.tamu.edu/ .
What we Want
The Division of Research is seeking an Associate Biological Safety Officer who will conduct inspections of research, teaching, and diagnostic laboratories and vivaria to ensure compliance regarding use and possession of biohazardous agents. We seek to hire a candidate who will support our commitment to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences per our Core Values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) . The preferred candidate will have a Master’s or PhD in biomedical science, animal science, or related field and extensive experience with biological safety and animal research. We are looking to hire a candidate who is a team player and who will promote collaboration and cooperation while working within a team. If the description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.
What you need to know
Starting Salary: $99,363.48
A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, animal science, or related field.
Five years of related experience working with animals as a biological laboratory scientist, biological laboratory technician, or veterinary technician in biosafety level-2 laboratories, including at least one year of experience involving the application of Federal or State biosafety-related regulatory standards.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
- Must have a Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of biological safety.
Ability to keep accurate records.
Ability to respond to emergency calls on occasional evenings and weekends.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Effective interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Must be able to obtain a Department of Justice security clearance to enter Select Agent Laboratories and participate in a personnel suitability program.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s or PhD in biomedical science, animal science, or related field.
Extensive experience with biological safety and animal research beyond degree requirements, such as animal handling and husbandry and technical procedures across a wide variety of species, including small and medium- sized animal models and wildlife. Work with animals in biosafety level 3 environments, including work with Biological Select Agents and Toxins. Prior experience performing risk assessments. Experience developing and providing training.
Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP); Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG).
Familiarity with the most current editions of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Molecules, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and federal Select Agent regulations. Knowledge of animal research best practices across a wide variety of species. Knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and/or virology. Knowledge and ability to perform or assist with whole-room decontamination procedures. Ability to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with people of all backgrounds.
Responsibilities
Training and Outreach- Develops presentations and other training materials for working with biohazards involving animals in ABSL-1 through ABSL-3 laboratories. Develops and conducts biosafety and animal trainings – both didactic and hands-on – to ensure all personnel are equipped with requisite knowledge and experience that aligns to their job function and responsibilities. Reviews and develops standard operating procedures and provides training to relevant personnel. Answers outreach emails promptly and reports and follows up with reported incidents. Investigates incidents, accidents, and security issues, and develops of corrective action plans as appropriate.
Biosafety Inspections- Conducts biosafety inspections to ensure compliance with federal and institutional policies and regulations regarding use and possession of biohazardous materials. Inspects research facilities and other animal locations for compliance with regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to use, handling and disposal of potential biohazards and recombinant nucleic acids as well as safe animal handling and welfare procedures. These duties will require travel within the state of Texas, occasionally up to 3 days at a time. A valid driver’s license is required for these duties.
Protocol Review- Reviews incoming submissions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), with an emphasis on those that include research involving animals and animal pathogens. Provides risk assessments and recommended risk mitigations to the IBC and provides disposition for submissions as directed. Reviews grant awards to ensure that the activities described in funded awards, which include the use of biohazardous materials, have been reviewed and approved, as appropriate, by the IBC, prior to initiation.
Biosafety Resource Contact- Provides expertise and guidance related to the use of biohazardous materials, especially those related to animal and animal pathogens. Liaises with representatives from the Biosafety Compliance Network, Comparative Medicine Program, and Animal Welfare Office to ensure best practices related to the use of biohazardous materials in animals are being implemented consistently across campuses. Provides advice to faculty completing IBC applications. Ensures effective communication and timely responses related to compliance reviews, including issues of non-compliance. Responds to questions regarding the compliance program.
Regulatory Compliance, Record Keeping, and Reporting- Maintains electronic and paper files ensuring all are up-to-date and complete. Reviews and maintains a current understanding of all federal regulations and institutional policies for activities involving biohazardous materials. Prepares correspondence and reports to the Responsible Official/Biological Safety Officer for the IBC, Instructional Officials, and research community.
Why Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
Health (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/medical/) , dental (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/dental/) , vision (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/vision-insurance/) , life and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/life-add/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html) and at least eight hours of paid vacation each (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html) month
Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/)
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/) training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
Employee Tuition Assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance/) and Educational Release time (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/educational.html) for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Howdy and thank you for your interest in a career with Texas A&M University. As the flagship campus of The Texas A&M University System, we are located in College Station, Texas with a student population of more than 74,000 and nearly 14,000 faculty and staff.The Spirit of Aggieland is unmistakable. We are a unique American institution, fostering a culture of friendliness, compassion and respect for one another. Our unique history and rich traditions make Texas A&M special.From our benefits package and professional development opportunities to our retirement programs, Texas A&M is a great place to work. Your path to a great career starts here!Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 845-5154.
Useful Links:
Benefit Programs (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration)
Retirement
Employee Discount Program (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/healthy-behaviors/perks.html)
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University Holidays (http://www.tamus.edu/business/human-resources/am-system-holidays/)
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New Employee Orientation (https://employees.tamu.edu/orgdev/courses.html#EmployeeOrientations)
Prospective Employees
Safety and Security Notices (https://orec.tamu.edu/clery/annual-security-report/)
Training and Development
USERRA (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra)
Nondiscrimination Notice