Biosafety Specialist

The Environmental Health and Safety Office at the University of Iowa is seeking a Safety Specialist, to assist in the implementation and assessment of activities related to Biological Safety at the University of Iowa.  May assist in the development and provision of training programs related to biological and chemical issues, e.g., bloodborne pathogens, chemical lab safety, etc. To perform evaluations/audits in laboratories related to biological, chemical, and radiological hazards.

Schedule:  Monday – Friday, unit business hours are 8:00am – 5:00 pm, up to 2 remote assigned days.

Position Status:  Professional and Scientific Regular (100%)

Work Modality:  This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment.  Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About Pay and Compensation:
Pay Grade:  4A

University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

About the Environmental Health and Safety Office
The Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS) provides services intended to promote health and safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental management. We offer a variety of services in the areas of Biological, Chemical, Occupational, and Radiation safety as well as select Environmental programs. Some of the direct services that we offer include chemical and radiation exposure monitoring, worksite hazard evaluations, workplace safety surveys, safety equipment recommendations, safety program reviews, safety training, and disposal of hazardous chemical, radioactive and infectious waste. Consultative services include regulatory compliance assistance programs to address OSHA, EPA, and CDC/USDA-related responsibilities within health care, research, academic, facility and service environments.

EHS has over 100 safety-related educational programs that are intended to inform individuals of potential hazards in their workplace. By utilizing the information presented, individuals will be capable of identifying risks inherent in their work and developing safe work practices and protocols in order to protect not only themselves, but others in the immediate area. Our goal is to continuously improve workplace safety for faculty, staff, and students.

For your efforts, you will enjoy:

• Working with qualified staff who will develop your skills to successfully perform this role.
• Competitive compensation, with the potential for annual increases; health insurance, and a retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Paid leave provisions: 24 days of vacation, 9 holidays and sick leave accrual.
• A rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees establish their career and enhance the quality of personal life. For more information, visit Benefits at UI.

Qualifications:

Education or Equivalency Required
A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with an emphasis on microbiology, molecular biology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Typically, 1-2 years practical experience in a research lab, understanding and/or working with rDNA and using a biosafety cabinet.
• Working level proficiency with data collection and report preparation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; including ability to interact with faculty, staff, students.
• Effective organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with biosafety regulations and consensus standards.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with BSL-2 or higher lab practices.
• Familiarity with animal protocols.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact:  VPR Talent ([email protected])

This position is eligible for a combination of on-campus and remote work. Work arrangement options will be discussed during the hiring process.