Senior Manager/Assistant Director Environmental Health, Safety and Biosafety

Senior Manager/Assistant Director Environmental Health, Safety and Biosafety

Department: Physical Plant
Campus: Stockton
Posting Number: 201304363P
Status: Full Time, 12 months
Open Date: August 20, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with additional hours as needed to meet business needs or deadlines. Occasional to frequent visits to project sites.
Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Position Summary

The Environmental Health & Safety and Biosafety Senior Manager/Assistant Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive environmental health, safety, and biosafety programs to ensure a safe, compliant campus environment.

The position serves as the University's designated Biosafety Officer (BSO)/Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO) under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. The role provides critical support to researchers preparing NIH and other federal grant applications by ensuring appropriate biohazard disposal plans, laboratory safety controls, protocols, and institutional approvals are in place.

This is a hands-on EH&S leadership role. Day-to-day responsibilities include chemical and biohazardous waste pickup and management, ergonomic assessments, radiation monitoring, laboratory and workplace safety inspections, trip-hazard assessments, incident investigations, emergency response, training, regulatory compliance, and documentation. Approximately 30%–40% of the position is dedicated to biosafety responsibilities.

The position is particularly important as the University expands its research enterprise, increases externally funded research activity, and prepares to launch a new medical school program.

Essential Functions

Biosafety Program Management

- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biosafety program in compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and University policies, including:

- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
- CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
- Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 5193

- Serve as the University's designated Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO), maintain required NIH registrations, and ensure continuing federal compliance.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory coordination, and biological risk assessment.
- Liaise with regulatory agencies including NIH, CDC, California Department of Public Health, and USDA/APHIS.
- Review grant applications involving biohazardous materials. Work with principal investigators to understand proposed research, assess risks, identify appropriate controls, and develop compliant biosafety protocols and disposal plans.
- Provide expert guidance to researchers so grant proposals contain required biohazard disposal plans, laboratory safety controls, and institutional approvals needed for NIH and other federal funding.
- Coordinate Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) operations, including agendas, presentations, meeting facilitation, minutes, membership, and annual NIH registration updates.
- Support compliance with NIH Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) requirements and applicable select-agent regulations, including 42 CFR Part 73 and 7 CFR Part 331.
- Conduct routine laboratory inspections covering biosafety, chemical safety, radiation safety, and general laboratory safety. Develop standardized inspection checklists, work with faculty to identify corrective actions, and promote sustained compliance.

Environmental Health and Safety Operations

- Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, including chemical and biohazardous waste pickup, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
- Manage compliance involving agencies and requirements such as the EPA, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
- Conduct ergonomic assessments and studies of workplace conditions and recommend corrective actions to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks.
- Oversee radiation monitoring and compliance with radiation safety requirements, including management of the University's radioactive materials license and oversight of X-ray generating devices.
- Conduct trip-and-fall hazard assessments and other workplace safety evaluations and implement corrective measures.
- Lead investigations of accidents, spills, and other incidents, determine root causes, and recommend preventive measures.
- Coordinate emergency response to chemical spills, biological exposures, and other hazardous-material incidents, including after-hours response when necessary.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, training, waste manifests, compliance activities, and other required documentation.
- Prepare reports for regulatory agencies as required.

Training and Compliance

- Develop and deliver EHS and biosafety training for faculty, staff, and students.
- Training topics may include emergency response, hazardous-material handling, bloodborne pathogens, laboratory safety, and workplace safety.
- Monitor regulatory developments and maintain current knowledge of safety, environmental, and biosafety requirements.
- Serve as a primary contact with regulatory agencies and ensure timely reporting and documentation.
- Support University sustainability goals through waste reduction, pollution prevention, and resource conservation programs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Manager

- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, occupational safety and health, or a related discipline.
- Three years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, with an emphasis on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety.

Assistant Director

- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry, environmental science, occupational safety and health, or a related discipline.
- Five years of work experience in occupational and environmental health and safety, with an emphasis on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety.

Preferred Qualifications

- Five or more years of occupational and environmental health and safety experience focused on hazardous materials and waste management, laboratory safety, and biosafety, preferably in an academic or research environment.
- Master's degree in biological sciences, public health, environmental health, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as:

- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)
- Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP)
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

- Five or more years of experience in an academic or research environment involving diverse research and development activities, including biological, chemical, and radiological research.
- Experience serving as an Institutional Biosafety Officer (IBO) or in a comparable biosafety leadership position.
- Strong knowledge of EHS and biosafety requirements involving Cal/OSHA, NIH, CDC, Federal Select Agent Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Department of Public Health, State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards, EPA, DEA, and State Fire Marshal requirements.
- Demonstrated experience supporting researchers with grant applications, including NIH and other federal funding mechanisms.
- Experience developing and delivering training programs to diverse audiences in a university setting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information clearly.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, including experience preparing reports and interpreting data.
- Ability to work independently in a complex, decentralized environment.
- Experience and sensitivity working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Demonstrated experience advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting and integrating culturally responsive practices and knowledge into professional work.

Compensation

Hiring Range: $90,000–$99,713 per year.

The University considers factors including the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's qualifications, internal equity, market considerations, and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

To apply: https://apptrkr.com/9822733 

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