BioSafety Officer

VCU's Safety & Risk Management Team has an exciting opportunity for a Biosafety Officer

Position Summary/Overview:

The Biosafety Officer at VCU plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of staff, students, faculty, and visitors by effectively managing all biological safety programs. This includes ensuring the safe handling of biological agents, recombinant DNA, and biohazards in strict adherence to OSHA, NIH, and CDC Guidelines, and other pertinent regulations. This position involves managing the Institutional Biosafety Committee and overseeing the review and approval process for all campus-wide requests involving biohazardous agents/rDNA material, including clinical trials. The BioSafety Officer also supports various safety programs across the campus, including initiatives led by IACUC, DURC, and IRB, contributing to a comprehensive culture of safety and compliance within the university community.

As the Biosafety Officer, you will be tasked with providing leadership and oversight in several key areas, including:

* Facilitate and coordinate the activities of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among members. Ensuring timely review and approval of all research requests.
* Serve as the primary reviewer on research projects involving the use of rDNA/biohazardous agents, or animal research involving chemical/biohazardous agents and rDNA materials.
* Oversee and manage laboratory inspections in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2/BSL2+) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) labs to ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards.
* Implement protocols for the safe handling and management of select agents, including storage, inventory management, and disposal procedures.
* Develop and implement protocols and training for the safe shipping of dangerous goods, including proper packaging, labeling, and documentation.
* Serve as a primary point of contact and liaison with the Office of Research and Innovation regarding all aspects of genetic research, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and objectives.
* Stay informed about pertinent federal and state laws and regulations related to biosafety and ensure that university and hospital programs under your purview comply.
* Ability to function as a senior manager, with responsibility for developing and mentoring staff and senior professionals.
* Provide guidance and training to the university community on all topics related to biosafety.
* Develop standard operating procedures and other written guidelines.
* Support VCU as a member of the hazmat spill response team. Including on-call participation.
* Responsible for managing the university lab Bloodborne Pathogens Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
* A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in biosafety management, ideally within a higher education or research environment.
* Strong understanding of federal regulations and guidelines governing biosafety, including the NIH Guidelines for
* Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, CDC Biosafety Guidelines, and OSHA Bloodborne
* Pathogens Standard.
* Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
* Proven capability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Possess a valid Driver's License
* Maintain medical clearance to work in biohazard locations
* Able to wear respirators and other personal protective equipment
* Knowledgeable about relevant guidelines and protocols for laboratory and animal containment across all levels (A/BSL1 - A/BSL4).
* Proficient skills in MS Office and Google Suite
* Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

* MS or PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
* Certification in biosafety (Certified Biological Safety Professional, Registered Biosafety Professional).
* Experience with BSL-3 laboratories
* Familiarity with BioRaft/SciShield