Bio Safety Officer & High Containment Lab Director (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $86,300 - $161,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $99,500 - $110,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 1, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

This position takes ownership of the biosafety and biosecurity program at the University, serves as the SME for this program as well as other disciplines related to environmental, health and safety; including but not limited to other laboratory safety programs within the EH&S Department programs as assigned by the EH&S Director. This position applies professional knowledge and expertise in research laboratory biosafety research and serves other biosafety specialty areas and may serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for other relevant program(s), within EH&S. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure predetermined standards and measures of performance are met, that application of professional/technical judgment is sound, that researcher's support needs are addressed and that faculty, staff and co-workers are treated with respect.

This position demonstrates sound judgment in selecting both the means and methods for obtaining desired results regarding compliance and support obligations. This position provides regulatory interpretation of biosafety and biosecurity obligations for laboratory practices and provides technical support and assistance for all issues involving University biological safety and biosecurity.

This position provides service and support to university academics, facilities, operational departments and EH&S co-workers for all biological safety matters and will provide timely and accurate interpretation of current laboratory practices and proposed laboratory practices in light of regulatory compliance obligations and best management practices exercised in the field of biological safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LABORATORY BIOLOGICAL SAFETY AND BIOLOGICAL SECURITY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• 1)Research biosafety compliance: Position works with research and teaching laboratories in order to ensure biosafety compliance and support to principal investigators and instructors through review and approval of laboratory safety plan supplements and at least annual laboratory compliance inspections for compliance with NIH, CDC, and CA OSHA guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• 2)Responsible Official: Position will serve as the university responsible official for the University's biological select agent and toxins (BSAT) program and as the university's liaison to NIH for compliance.
• 3)IBC: Position will serve and support the university Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) as the campus Biological Safety Officer BSO; duties include planning and scheduling IBC meetings, working with IBC, faculty, and staff to design and implement plans and procedures for biosafety in laboratories to protect personnel from the adverse effects of biological agents and the safe handling and regulatory compliant treatment and disposal of biohazardous laboratory waste.
• 4)BUAs: Position will review and approve university biological use authorizations (BUAs), evaluate and perform risk assessments for work with biological agents and toxins, and provide assistance and support to research and teaching laboratories for the safe use, proper containment, and managed disposal of biohazardous waste.
• 5)Compliance Support: Position will maintain a working knowledge of current regulatory requirements, university program guidelines and industry best practices in order to support biological safety in university laboratories: Position will oversee and as necessary participate in laboratory safety and compliance inspection to meet regulatory requirements and policy requirements.
• 6)Leadership: Position is part of the EHS leadership team and may provide oversight and management of certain EHS programs and ensure the development of EHS programs, policies, and procedures to provide administrative guidance in these EH&S program areas.

HIGH CONTAINMENT LABORATORY DIRECTOR:

• High Containment Lab Director: The HCLD is responsible to maintain records/documents necessary to meet regulatory compliance for operation of the lab. Will represent UCM on UC systemwide workgroups and will be responsible for ensure training and compliance in all matter related to the BSL-3 / High Containment Laboratory. The position will provide support and assistance to UCM researchers and manage regulatory compliance with biosafety, including BSL-3 agents and select agents in university laboratories.
• Grant Proposals: The position will assist in the review of and provide necessary comment upon university grant proposals involving biological agents and biological research.
• Training: The position will provide subject matter expertise, evaluate and identify appropriate safety training, including the review of biological safety training sufficiency, and adjust training program elements accordingly in order to ensure regulatory training compliance and personnel needs in research laboratories

ANIMAL RESEARCH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM SUPPORT:

• 1)IACUC: The position will serve as EH&S representative to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and support research safety performing work with animals and support occupational health and safety in animal research.
• 2)Medical Surveillance: The position will manage the medical surveillance and screening program for research personnel working with animals.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN PROGRAM SAFETY:

• Program Management: The position will provide management oversight and monitoring of employee safety and health related to preparedness and prevention of employee exposure to blood borne pathogens possibly present in laboratory research.
• Compliance Support: The position will provide regulatory compliance monitoring and support to university research laboratory personnel in the development and implementation of blood borne pathogen Exposure Control Plans.
• Occupational Health and Safety Support: This position works closely with the Occupational Health provider (Nurse Practitioner) and the Campus Risk Manager in support of campus needs ranging from biological safety program needs and program success, BBP preparedness and prevention, regulatory compliance, high containment research compliance support requirements, in addition to other campus biological safety requirements, e.g., employee Occupational Health monitoring and clearance.

EH&S AND RESEARCH SUPPORT:

• Team Member: The position will serve as a key member of the EH&S leadership team, provide compliance management and support to the university researchers for all EH&S biological safety support functions along with COVID-19 response and preparedness planning and operations.
• Administrative Support: The Position will support University researchers and ORED in providing review and comment for Grant Proposals.
• Committee Representation: The position will serve to represent EH&S on campus and systemwide workgroups, committee, and partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned: This position, due to its highly technical expertise and scope will provide leadership within the EH&S organization and may be assigned other duties as necessary for organizational compliance support obligations and operational efficiency.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree In Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biological Safety, security, or related area.
• Advanced degree PhD in Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related science discipline from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• 5 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience, or equivalent experience/training.
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) (Preferred)
• Certification as a biosafety professional (CBSP) (Preferred)
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training certification and subsequent 8-hour renewals. (Preferred)
• CA Driver's License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the identification, evaluation, and management control of biological and occupational health and safety hazards with broad-based cumulative experience in a laboratory setting.
• The ability to perform technical reviews of biosafety proposals involving the management and use of infectious
• The ability to perform technical reviews of animal research proposals involving occupational health and safety concerns, field research safety, laboratory safety, and biosafety to support university research. The ability to design, develop and present biosafety training to university audiences.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with hazard analysis and hazard control including the design, development, and implementation of hazard control programs consisting of engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, and the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent accidents and injuries
• Demonstrated, broad-based working knowledge of biological safety and laboratory regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a biological safety program in compliance with regulatory requirements and in support
• Demonstrated ability to work with personal computers, including the demonstrated knowledge and use of Microsoft
• Office word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, and the ability to learn and use UCOP database software applications for program management of biological safety.
• Demonstrated ability for punctuality, teamwork, service, and support in BSO position.
• Training and experience in emergency response to biological safety incidents.
• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill to communicate
• Thorough knowledge/understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations, and general knowledge/understanding of all EH&S fields.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects
• Skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in biological safety with programs and personnel.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.