Posted: Nov 17, 2025

Research Biosafety Officer

Full-time

Salary: $87,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: N/A

The University of Vermont is seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking individual to enhance our institutional biosafety program. This role is ideal for a mid-career professional with a solid foundation in biosafety practices, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, who is ready to take on broader responsibilities and drive strategic improvements in biosafety culture and operations. UVM values both established skills, and the quest for more knowledge; time tested practices, and innovative solutions. Share your distinctive strengths to empower scientific research that is a public good – shaping healthy societies and a healthy environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or related relevant science.

· Eight or more years of relevant experience of which four or more years to include direct experience involving assessing and/or handling biological material or infectious pathogens, preferably in an academic research environment. A master’s degree in a relevant field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Strong proficiency in public speaking and technical writing. Must be comfortable speaking to large audiences and explaining complex regulatory requirements to both scientists and lay people.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to compose reports, correspondence, and summaries in a comprehensive and organized manner.

· Advanced ability to understand and apply all relevant federal, state, and university regulations policies, and federal guidance documents.

· Master level knowledge of office productivity software, and internet research, a quick learner of new specialty application software; especially for protocol submission workflow management.

· Capacity to efficiently and effectively handle multiple demands and competing priorities.

· Demonstrated self-discipline and independent judgement.

· Strong understanding of skills and tasks to provide superior customer service to facilitate research.

While not currently registered as a Federal Select Agent Program, it is reasonably anticipated that UVM will seek registration in the future. Therefore, the successful candidate must be qualified in all aspects to assume the duties and fundamental responsibilities of a FSAP Responsible Official.

Desirable Qualifications:

· Advanced degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or molecular genetics.

· Direct or substantial collateral experience with the Federal Select Agent Program.

Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) preferred.

Special Conditions of Employment

· Employment with UVM requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies.

· This position can be required to submit to, pass, and maintain a Security Risk Assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.

· This position can be required to submit to, pass and maintain an ongoing Suitability Assessment as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.

· This position can be required to submit and receive approval for access to select biological agents and toxins by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

· Achieve and maintain medical clearance and training required to work in a high-containment lab and to wear personal protective equipment including a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

· On-call status to respond to incidents involving biological materials, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

· Communication with an identified and designated alternate for coverage of BSO duties, in anticipation of planned time off.

· Valid driver’s license; acceptable driving record.

Special Conditions:

A probationary period may be required. Occasional evening and/or weekends required. Travel to and from worksites required. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy,