| Department: Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management (SEERM) Web Announcement: Biosafety Officer and Responsible Official
The George Mason University Environmental Health and Safety Office—within the department of Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management (SEERM)—is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual for a Biosafety Officer and Responsible Official position. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.
Responsibilities: - Manages the biosafety program for biosafety level 3 laboratories as well as for laboratories operating at Biosafety level 2 with select agents and toxins;
- Serves as the Responsible Official (RO) for the Select Agent Program;
- Interprets and implements regulatory requirements and guidelines regarding biosafety in high containment laboratories and the possession, use, and transfer of select agents and toxins;
- Manages select agent program compliance, conducts risk assessments, laboratory inspections, program and program audits, provides training, oversees the personnel suitability program and serves as the primary point of contact for the select agent program;
- Supports IBC, IACUC and other laboratory safety programs and responds to incidents as necessary.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in the life sciences or related field or equivalent education & experience;
- Demonstrated experience with biosafety level 3 research laboratories and select agent program compliance required;
- Knowledge of applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity to include NIH Guidelines for Work involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Biosafety in Microbiology and Biomedical Laboratories, Federal select agent regulations, and Virginia regulated medical waste regulations;
- Knowledge of controls and safety practices for work with infectious materials in research laboratory;
- Knowledge of disinfection and decontamination methods for infectious agents;
- Knowledge of computer applications including but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheets, email, image processing, and databases;
- Familiar with chemical, radiological, and physical laboratory hazards;
- Attention to detail with the ability to conduct safety risk assessments, laboratory inspections, program audits, and incident investigations;
- Ability to maintain accurate and current records;
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively;
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects;
- Ability to develop and implement administrative processes for select agent compliance;
- Ability to assist in the development and coordination of exercises and drills to test written plans and procedures;
- Ability to meet pre-access and ongoing suitability requirements for enrollment in the select agent program to include background screening, drug screening, medical surveillance requirements, and vaccination requirements;
- Ability to work in the containment suite of the Biomedical Research Laboratory;
- Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication;
- Ability to self-motivate and complete tasks without supervision;
- Ability to lift 40 lbs, bend, crawl, and kneel;
- Ability to work and stand for extended periods of time;
- Ability to work after hours and varying hours when needed;
- Valid VA driver's license;
- Certification in CPR/First Aid or ability to obtain within 6 months;
- 40 Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response or ability to obtain within 6 months;
- DOT Hazmat General and Security Awareness or ability to obtain within 6 months;
- Security Risk Assessment Approval or ability to obtain within 3 months;
- Must live within 25 miles of the Science and Technology campus;
- IATA 6.2 and 9 training or ability to obtain within 3 months;
- Waste management facility operator certification or ability to obtain within 3 months.
Preferred Qualifications: - Master's degree;
- Experience working at a Tier 1 select agent facility;
- Significant demonstrated experience at an academic/higher education or private research environment;
- Experience providing training courses to adult learners with a range of knowledge and experience.
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience. Location: Prince William, VA Mason Ad Statement: Great Careers Begin at Mason!
George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition. Special Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number 02265z at http://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Equity Statement: George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law. |
