Biosafety Specialist

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The role of the Environment, Health and Safety ( EHS) department is primarily environment, health and safety functions at the University. In support of the University's core mission, EHS will provide comprehensive environmental, health and safety services to the University community. This includes education through training and consultation, maintaining a safe environment through recognizing and controlling health and safety hazards, ensuring a process of regulatory compliance and minimizing future potential liabilities. By developing EHS programs and performing various periodic inspections we can provide a safe work place, ensure a process of compliance and minimize future potential liabilities. EHS is organized into eight (8) sections: Biological Safety, Environmental Affairs, Fire Safety & Emergency Response, Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety, Workplace Safety and Business & Support.

Under the general direction of the Biological Safety Officer / Manager, the Biosafety Specialist oversees administration of the Institutional Biological Safety Committee ( IBC),compliance and medical surveillance for Biosafety Level ( BSL) 2 and BSL 2+ research laboratories, the special immunization program and the toxin due diligence program.

Job responsibilities will include review and approval of applications and SOPs (standard operating procedures) for use of biohazards in laboratories; review of IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) protocols for use of biohazards in research animals; and administrative oversight of IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee) activities related the use of recombination and synthetic nucleic acid molecules in research.

This position will manage the compliance and medical surveillance for the University's BSL2 and BSL2+ laboratories performing research with various biohazards including HIV and non-human primate specimens, as well as flow cytometry core facilities. This includes authoring and review of all supporting documentation and SOPs as well as providing safety training and conducting incident investigations for these laboratories.

This position will provide annual updates to various training programs including, but not limited to, the DCM (Division of Comparative Medicine), sewage, autoclave and BSL2 / BSL2+ training programs.

This position will include assisting the Biological Safety section in performing BSL-3 facility inspections, decontamination and conducting select agent inventories and requires successful completion of the Security Risk Assessment {SRA) process.

This position supports the CLIP (Collaborative Laboratory Safety Inspections) program by conducting monthly laboratory inspections. This position also serves on the EHS Emergency Response/ Hazardous Materials team.

This position is Severe Weather Essential ( SWE) / Communicable Diseases Mandatory ( CDM).

Four year degree with a preference for a related major in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or closely related science; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require specific certifications or licenses. Specific jobs will require additional minimum training and/or licensing upon selection.

Knowledge - Professional: Ability to administer University, local, State, and Federal guidelines. Ability to stay current on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) / NIH (National Institutes of Health) Guidelines and incorporate changes/updates to campus programs. Ability to assess new biosafety issues that are significant in scope and their impact on researchers at UNC-CH. Ability to serve as technical expert and resource for biosafety technical support, analysis, and consultative services to identify or rectify EHS programmatic area(s). Applies in depth knowledge and understanding of EHS principles, practices, and equipment such as biosafety cabinets and other containment equipment to determine if proper methods and procedures are utilized and to assure compliance with Federal, State, local, and industrial regulations.

Program Monitoring and Administration: Ability to review and administer IBC protocols and documents for monthly meeting, conduct and document moderately complex BSL 2 and BSL2+ inspections. Assist in corrective action strategies; assess, determine, plan and implement corrective actions. Conduct various biosafety assessments on existing programs to determine impact and program effectiveness.

Training and Education: Ability to design and develop training programs including but not limited to blood borne pathogens, biohazards, BSL2 / BSL2+ laboratories, zoonotic pathogens, and NIH training programs. Effectively train others on EHS policies and guidelines. Develops standard operating procedures for working with biological pathogens on campus. Develops and writes policy for the university.

Safety and Health Compliance: Ability to apply working knowledge of local, State and Federal regulations including the BMBL and OSHA standards to determine compliance within biosafety. Oversees BSL2+ lab compliance using EHS measures and guidelines. Able to establish procedures for operational compliance of BSL2+ labs. Ability to train others to perform self-audits. In depth knowledgeable about the NIH Guidelines, CDC regulations and OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen standard.

Communication: Ability to interpret and communicate information to individuals or groups. Ability to deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Ability to clearly and concisely convey written information orally or in writing to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information and the message. Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others.

Upon hire must be able to pass a Security Risk Assessment ( SRA) conducted by the FBI.

Experience working in biomedical research ( BSL-2/ BSL-2+/ BSL-3), biosafety, occupational safety or environmental health and safety preferred.

Animal Handler (non- DCM), Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Non-Healthcare TB exposure.

Respirator, general use.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.