Biological Safety Specialist Lead/BSL-3 Coordinator

Works under minimal direction to provide knowledge and expertise in operation and support of biological safety programs and compliance with regulatory agencies and national guidelines within the Office of Safety and Business Continuity.

Experience and Education 

Bachelor’s degree in safety related field and four (4) years of directly related safety experience required. Previous high containment laboratory (BSL3/ABSL3) experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Work requires exercise of considerable judgment in application and interpretation of procedures, safety regulations, standards, and codes.
• Work requires contact with staff and faculty of other departments while providing technical assistance. 
• Effective communication and customer service skills necessary.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and be able to use a computer database.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with personnel in diverse positions.
• Must have advanced knowledge of biological hazards in the laboratory environment.
• Must be familiar with applicable laboratory safety regulations and guidelines.

  Job Duties 

1. Development, management, delivery, tracking, and continuous evaluation of a comprehensive high containment lab (BSL3/ABSL3) safety program. Development of metrics to measure performance and to achieve continuous improvement.
2. Develops and provides didactic and hands-on safety training, including but not limited to, high containment laboratories. Assess personnel ability, skills, technique, and safety for working in laboratories. Maintains required records and documentation.
3. Provide advanced professional knowledge and expertise in the realm of biological safety – including high containment/control practices, infectious materials, synthetic/recombinant DNA, disinfection, decontamination, and biological waste disposal.  Performs and facilitates risk assessment to provide consultation to research personnel and Facilities planners regarding the implementation of appropriate biosafety containment and controls.
4. Performs periodic surveillance of laboratories and facilities (including follow-up) to ensure adherence to safety regulations and procedures, including but not limited to, high containment laboratories.
5. Reviews research projects submitted for biohazard materials permitting, including but not limited to, risk group 3 agents; denotes and analyzes safety deficiencies and assists with monthly Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meeting planning and execution.
6. Management of annual BSL3/ABSL3 facility validations.  Participates in facility maintenance testing as needed. Maintains required records and documentation. Works with Biological Safety Program Manager for regulatory site inspections (i.e., CDC, USDA).  Maintains required records and documentation.
7. Review and incorporation of health and safety standards as promulgated by all regulating agencies.  Remains current on rules and regulations to conclude appropriate decisions relative to biological safety; summarizes changes.
8. Participates in and helps plan for the response to emergencies, incidents, hazardous materials response, and indoor air quality issues. Participates in and/or leads in the conduct of accident/incident investigations.
9. This position is designated as essential.  Personnel are expected to report to work, as required outside of set work schedule, in the event of an emergency to sustain institutional services and/or protect assets.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/ 

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.