University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job TitleAssistant/Associate Biosafety OfficerJob Profile TitleBiosafety Officer AJob Description SummaryReporting to and under direction from the Institutional Biosafety Officer, Associate Director for Life Sciences Safety (BIOSAFETY) and Compliance Programs, the successful candidate will perform duties of, depending on experience, an Assistant or Associate Biosafety Officer. The successful candidate provides technical guidance to faculty and staff regarding equipment, facilities and work practices for protection of personnel, laboratories and environment from biological hazards; Reviews experimental design, protocols and procedures; Conducts risk assessments; Provides compliance oversight and safety training for varied life sciences research programs; Reviews research grant applications, proposals, and activities involving hazardous materials and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (r∙s∙NA) research to ensure safe practices in support of the University's Environmental Health Programs, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC); Participates in biological safety training for faculty, staff and students; Inspects research facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to use, handling, and disposal of biohazards and/or recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids (r∙s∙NA); Investigates accidents in life sciences research environments and develops corrective action plans; Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials; Responds (on call) to hazardous biological materials incidents as appropriate and consults on research laboratory operations and security.Job DescriptionJob Responsibilities
Administer & support development of Life Sciences Laboratory Safety & Biosafety Programs.
Provide oversight for various biosafety program components, as needed.
Review and provide guidance for IBC registrations & IACUC protocols using pertinent guidelines & regulations.
Conduct laboratory & vivarium audits. Inspect research facilities for safety & compliance.
Maintain audit and compliance records.
Provide technical guidance to faculty & research staff.
Conduct, revise, and develop biological safety training.
Investigate injuries & accidents involving biological materials and research animals.
Support various Occupational Health programs.
Develop & implement emergency response procedures, & outreach programs, for incidents involving biohazards.
Respond (on call) to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate.
Perform due diligence & track exempt amounts of select agent toxins.
Primary, consultative contact for biocontainment laboratories
At the discretion of the leadership participate in mentorship, training, & supervisory activities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications for Assistant Biosafety Officer (Biosafety Officer A):
Assistant Biosafety Officer Position: A Master's (MS) degree in biological science (i.e., microbiology, bacteriology, virology etc.) or related field and 3-5 years experience with molecular biology / gene editing techniques, or equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.
3-5 years of hands-on biomedical research and/or clinical research experience.
At least 3 years of experience in the field of biological safety, in a biomedical research facility.
Fundamental familiarity with the NIH Guidelines and CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.
Required Qualifications for Associate Biosafety Officer (Biosafety Officer B):
Associate Biosafety Officer: A Master's (MS) degree in biological science and 5 to 7 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.
Preferred: a Doctorate (PhD, MD, VMD) in biological sciences or medicine (i.e., microbiology, bacteriology, virology etc.) or related field and documented experience with molecular biology / gene editing techniques is preferred.
Minimum 5 years, hands-on biomedical research and/or clinical research experience.
5 years of experience in the field of biological safety, in a biomedical research facility.
Working level understanding of the NIH Guidelines, CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and OSHA lab safety standards.
Documentation of or ability to obtain credential of a Registered Biological Safety Professional (RBP), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), or other related biosafety certification.
Special Requirements:
A valid driver's license. The ability to respond and move rapidly and frequently without restrictions, transport up to 30 pounds or more, and wear respiratory protection, are required.
Application Requirement
A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.
Subscribe to job alerts and upload your resume!
*By registering with our site, you agree to our
Terms and Privacy Policy.