Biosafety Program Manager (ABSO/ARO)
Job Description Summary
The Biosafety Program Manager serves as the Assistant Biosafety Officer/Alternate Responsible Official (ABSO/ARO) and reports to the Assistant Director Biosafety/Biosafety Officer/Responsible Official (BSO/RO) in the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR). This position provides professional, technical assistance to the Biosafety Officer in coordinating a comprehensive biological safety program throughout all university research and teaching laboratories in accordance with federal, state, local and granting agent requirements, and maintains the biosafety program in the absence of the BSO.
Under direction of the Assistant Director Biosafety, responsibilities include:
Serving as the Assistant Biosafety Officer (ABSO) and managing the comprehensive biological safety program, including Biosafety Laboratory Audit Program, Biological Assurances Program, Autoclave Verification Program, Autoclave Inspection Program, and Primary Containment Program.
Serving as the ARO, fulfilling all regulatory responsibilities under the Select Agent Program.
Providing technical expertise and reviewing Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) submissions, working collaboratively with Principal Investigators (PIs) to enhance research safety and regulatory compliance.
Developing and delivering biosafety training programs, including DOT/IATA hazardous materials shipping, IBC/DURC compliance, BBP, select agent regulations, BSL-2/BSL-3 training, and general biosafety training.
Supporting research safety initiatives, responding to biosafety incidents, and providing technical guidance to the UMD research community.
Performing other duties as assigned to enhance biosafety program effectiveness and ensure a safe research environment.
Preferences:
Experience in project management and program development.
Advanced degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology, or life science-based discipline.
Experience in working within or managing operations of a high containment (BSL-3) facility.
Relevant biosafety certification (Registered Biological Safety Professional or Certified Biological Safety Professional) or eligible to obtain biosafety certification.
Ability to work with a diverse population and foster a collaborative work environment.
Ability to build stakeholder relationships and adapt to change with a positive and proactive approach.
Broad knowledge of laboratory procedures, biological hazards, and laboratory safety.
Knowledge of NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines).
Knowledge of federal Select Agent Program requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Five (5) years of professional program management experience. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion. Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter , List of References
Best Consideration Date: March 21, 2025
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Occupational Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Research Related Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Respiratory Protection, Work in BSL-3 Containment Laboratory, Work with agents that are infectious to humans (other then Blood Borne Pathogens)
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPA-Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$93,760 to $117,200
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO/AA Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy.
Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome!
Diversity Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.