Senior EHSREM Specialist - Biosafety

Texas State University, an emerging research institution, seeks an experienced and motivated Senior Safety Specialist with a strong background in biosafety to join the Environmental Health, Safety, Risk, and Emergency Management (EHSREM) team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the institutional biosafety officer (BSO)  with both personnel and program oversight.  This position will be integral in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university biosafety regulations, and promoting a culture of safety throughout the university’s research and teaching laboratories.

Required Qualifications:  Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

• Knowledge of federal, state and university regulations/policies regarding hazardous materials, biological materials, Hazard Communication and OSHA Laboratory Standard.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in laboratory safety, biosafety, and research administration in a BSL-2 (or higher) environment.
• Experience working with IBC, IRB, and IACUC – including application reviews, compliance support, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience developing and delivering training for faculty, staff and students.
• Experience managing disposal of biological/medical waste.
• Experience developing and implementing biosafety program policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook and Adobe.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in biology, microbiology, or related field
• Thorough knowledge of CDC, NIH, and federal biosafety and research ethics guidelines.
• Familiarity with university or research institution safety cultures.
• 10+ years of experience in laboratory safety, biosafety and research administration in a BSL-2 (or higher
• Experience serving as a Biosafety Officer at a university or research institution.
• Certified Biological Safety Professional credential
• 40 Hour HazWoper Certification
• DOT Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification
• IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification

Job Duties:

• Conduct inspections in BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories to maintain compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and policies.
• Conduct follow-up inspections of BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories to ensure implementation of corrective actions.
• Prepares, reviews and maintains inspection reports.
• Provides resources and consultation to resolve biosafety issues in laboratories.
• Develops implements and maintains EHSREM Biosafety Program policies and procedures, including UPPSs and safety manuals.
• Reviews design plans for new laboratories or lab renovations.
• Conducts risk assessments of laboratories for new researchers or as research evolves for existing researchers to ensure safe practices are being followed.
• Develop, deliver, and document biosafety training for faculty, staff, and students; manage training records for regulatory requirements.
• Processes shipping requests for regulated dangerous goods.
• Manages the pickup and disposal of biowaste.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions with timely follow-ups to ensure implementation.
• Sits on university safety committees such as Laboratory Safety Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee.
• Reviews purchase requisitions and SOPs for biological materials and associated equipment to ensure safe use, storage and disposal to maintain compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and polices.
• Reviews SOPs, and IBC, IACUC, IRB applications.
• Attends conferences, trainings, meetings, and seminars to remain current on developments in biosafety regulations, trends and best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support Lab Safety Division and EHSREM office