Open position: Biosafety Specialist @ IUPUI

06/22/2018
MABioN
Archive

IUPUI has a job opening for a Biosafety Specialist. This position is part of Indiana University Environmental Health and Safety (IUEHS) and is based out of the Indianapolis campus. Current application deadline is July 5, 2018, but deadline may be extended if position is not filled.

Job Summary

The position is part of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and reports to the campus Biological Safety Manager. The primary function of the Biosafety Specialist act as the EHS Biosafety liaison for laboratories working with biological agents on the IUPUI and regional IU School of Medicine campuses. The Biosafety Specialist will primarily perform audits of laboratories designated Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and finalize deficiency reports to the appropriate staff or faculty. The Biosafety Specialist will act as a resource at IUPUI answering questions and offering independent expert advice related to the use of biohazardous materials on campus. The Biosafety Specialist will serve as a voting member on the university’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and additional committees such as Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). The Biosafety Specialist will review research protocols that propose using recombinant DNA, infectious agents, toxins of biological origin, human materials and provide advice for appropriate biocontainment of their use. Additional duties may include increasing regulatory compliance through providing Biosafety, Bloodborne Pathogens and Biological Shipping training to campus staff, faculty and students.

Duties and Responsibilities

Perform annual audits of laboratories designated as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 on the IUPUI and regional IU School of Medicine campuses. Assess laboratory research in order to identify deficiencies and violations encountered during audits or the subsequent review of the laboratory’s IBC protocol. Performs maintenance of a database that tracks laboratory audits and deficiencies identified during audits. Communicates deficiencies to PIs and research staff. Provides or negotiates steps to remediate deficiencies with PIs or research staff. Communicates with IBC office to initiate protocols or amendments required to remediate audit findings.

Attending monthly meetings as a voting member of the IBC and one or more IACUCs. In addition to meeting attendance, the position requires review of protocol submissions and amendments to previously approved research protocols. The incumbent will offer remediation to perceived biosafety deficiencies in research proposals and perform laboratory audits for final approval. Conducts semi-annual inspections of animal facilities as a member of the IACUC to ensure compliance of animal facilities.

Review current documents and training modules within the IUEHS Biosafety and Bloodborne Pathogens programs and propose revisions as needed.

Investigate spills and accidents and provide guidance for remediation and preventive measures. Conduct classroom based Bloodborne Pathogens, Biological Shipping and Biosafety training. Provides input and guidance in the development of additional training modules or additions to existing training.

Required Qualifications

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, public health, infectious diseases or related field plus at least 1 year of experience in biological safety, molecular biology, microbiology, infectious disease or control, or regulatory compliance. Must have a Valid Driver’s License.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Certification or future eligibility for certification by ABSA (RBP or CBSP) is desired. Background knowledge of NIH and CDC guidelines related to use of biological materials in research is desired and excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills are expected. Familiarity with Microsoft Office. Any offer and future continued employment in the position may be contingent upon successful completion of a DOJ/FBI Security Risk Assessment for individuals seeking access to select biological agents and toxins.
The Biosafety Specialist may be required to wear an N-95 respirator and pass annual fit testing. They may also need to wear and properly use a purified air personal respirator (PAPR) along with various other items listed as personal protective equipment.