Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Research Safety Program Analyst

Penn State’s Office for Research Protections (ORP) seeks a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Research Safety Program Analyst.

The ORP, part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, plays a pivotal role in supporting Penn State’s vibrant research community, boasting an annual research expenditure of $1.03 billion and ranking among the top 30 public research universities in the nation. The ORP is comprised of the following programs: Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC), Conflict of Interest, Research Misconduct, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), Education, Quality and Integrity, Radioisotopes (UIC), Regulated Biohazardous Materials (IBC), Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC/IRE), Controlled Substances, Drone Operations, and Scientific Diving. 

The Dive Safety Officer (DSO) and Research Safety Program Analyst will report to the Director of Research Safety and Compliance. As part of the Research Safety and Compliance team, this role will include the following:  

DSO Responsibilities:

• Operationally be responsible for support of the scientific diving program, to include, at a minimum, training needed to become a scientific diver, diver authorizations, review and approval of dive plans, maintenance of diving records, and ensuring compliance with the Penn State and American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards and any applicable federal or state regulations or requirements.
• Assist divers with obtaining and maintaining scientific diver status.
• Administer check-out dives and offer diving opportunities for scientific divers to fulfill the required dives per year.
• Maintain an inventory of University-owned dive equipment and maintenance records. Conduct maintenance checks on dive equipment and repair equipment, as needed. May test and/or inspect all diving equipment used by divers participating in University-sponsored diving activities and apply judgment as to its suitability and safety for the planned dive(s). Test, evaluate, and recommend the purchase of diving equipment by the University and supervise its use.
• Maintain membership and good standing with the AAUS.
• Facilitate safe diving operations and suspend diving operations determined to be unsafe or unwise.
• Work closely with the Diving Control Board (DCB) and serve as a voting member of the DCB.
• Attend the annual AAUS symposium which includes a DSO Orientation.
• Stay current on AAUS training and credentialing requirements for DSOs.

Safety Program Analyst Responsibilities:

• Assist in supporting research safety programs, including the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), University Isotopes Committee (UIC), Institutional Review Entity (IRE), and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO). This includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:
• Review protocols, assist researchers and compliance committee members with the development of research protocols (which may include telephone and written communication, as well as virtual meetings), attend compliance committee meetings and prepare minutes as assigned, and communicate with the compliance committees as needed.
• Participate in day-to-day functions of the IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC such as committee meetings, program reviews, and policy development and review which includes creating and/or updating policies and procedures related to compliance. Provide guidance and recommendations to administration (e.g., Director, and Associate VP for Research) in biosafety, and isotopes policies, regulations and applicable accreditation standards.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to faculty, staff and students regarding regulatory and other requirements related to compliance. Ensure that University researchers and collaborators are appropriately trained in protocol submission. Provide all necessary administrative support, outreach and training, as needed, in support of the IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC committees. Provide guidance and recommendations to faculty and staff in regard to protocol preparation. This process may include telephone communication, written communication, and virtual meetings. Help to ensure their protocols are compliant with all federal, state and local regulations, rules, policies, guidelines and SOPs.
• Contribute to additional research safety programs to support the research community, including backing up other research compliance specialists on the team such as Drone Operations.
• Work closely with all ORP compliance programs and the Centralized Application Tracking System (CATS) team in the Office of Research Information Systems.  

 
Education and Experience: This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher and 6+ years of technical expertise and experience in research related diving, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Active underwater instructor from an internationally recognized certifying agency is required at time of hire or within 90 days thereof (e.g. PADI, SDI, SSI).
• Scientific diving experience required - engaged in sustained or successive scientific diving activities during the past two years or completed a course in scientific diving that meets the requirements as specified by the most current edition of the AAUS Standards for Scientific Diving.
• Knowledge of and experience in maintenance and repair of a variety of dive equipment.
• Possess risk-based decision-making skills about diving operations to ensure safety.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to summarize and convey technical information to a diverse audience is critical.  
• Exceptional professionalism with a strong customer-service orientation required. 
• Research compliance experience in IBC, UIC, DURC, ESCRO, preferred.

Work Arrangement: The Office for Research Protections is supportive of flexible work arrangements and when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position.

The location of this position is flexible and can operate in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Travel to locations within the state of Pennsylvania to conduct check-out dives and training is required periodically each year. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Clearances: This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State and the ORP are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.