Biological Safety Specialist (Associate Health and Safety Specialist)

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Institutional Biological Safety Officer in the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) department, the Associate Health and Safety Specialist for Biological Safety (Biological Safety Specialist) provides technical and advisory support services to promote the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Biosafety Program at Temple University and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, Local, and University standards, regulations, and policies.

The incumbent will coordinate with relevant institutional committees, such as but not limited to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), to ensure the safe use and proper review of biohazardous materials, both in vitro and in vivo.

The incumbent will perform comprehensive audits of research, teaching, and clinical laboratories to ensure safe working practices and procedures and primary containment concerning use, storage, and disposal of biological hazards are properly followed and follows up with management as appropriate.

Additionally, the incumbent will perform aspects of compliance with biosafety standards governing recombinant/synthetic nucleic acid molecule research, infectious agents, human and nonhuman primate materials, zoonotic animals and materials, biological toxins, medical waste management, shipping of biological materials, and other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biological, life, chemical, or physical sciences, public health, industrial hygiene, or related disciplines.
• At least three (3) years of laboratory biomedical research and/or biosafety experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (in writing and verbally) with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds for the purpose of training, inspection, gathering, and dissemination of information relevant to biosafety.
• Capable of developing and delivering accurate, clear, and concise technical reports and providing recommendations based on technical expertise.
• Strong organizational skills, work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Skilled in prioritizing tasks with competing deadlines and able to complete tasks while under the stress of demanding work schedule.
• Capable of initiating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and clients, and skilled in fostering teamwork.
• Comfortable to work independently and able to work harmoniously as a team player in a team-based environment.
• Able to provide guidance and mentorship to other Biosafety staff and EHRS colleagues.
• Proficient in the use of Windows-based computers and MS Office Suite.
• Able to quickly learn and utilize new systems and technologies in designing and maintaining complex systems and databases.
• Must be able to move freely in small and large spaces, lift heavy objects over twenty-five lbs. and wear respiratory protective devices.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in biological, life, chemical, physical sciences, public health, or related disciplines and three to five (3-5) years of laboratory biomedical research experience, preferably in a BSL-2 or higher containment and/or biosafety experience.
• Experienced in conducting risk assessments and developing risk assessment tools to identify proper containment requirements, safety practices, exposure control and post-exposure response, and applicable occupational health issues.
• Knowledgeable of laboratory safety guidelines, such as the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Biological Safety Manual.
• Familiar with biosafety standards (e.g. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories and NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules) and regulations related to biosafety.
• Familiar with the roles of institutional oversight committees and relevant protocol submissions.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with emergency preparedness involving biohazard agents.
• Knowledgeable of regulations covering the transport of biohazard materials (domestic transfer, import, and export controls).
• Experienced in coordinating and collaborating with various groups and expertise to meet a common goal.
• Able to appropriately balance between service and compliance, as well as communicate and defend policies, procedures, and strategic plans.
• Able to identify and implement technological resources to educate, train, and serve clients.