Description
University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: Environmental Health and Safety
Job Title: Biological Safety Officer/Manager
Position #217807 – Requisition #19922

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

Who We Are:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges, and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here. 

Environmental Health and Safety has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Biological Safety Officer/Manager position.

Job Summary:
The position exists to manage the Division of Biosafety and serve as the Biological Safety Officer (BSO) and potentially as Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and the CU Denver Campus. This position is designated as sensitive and is subject to a criminal and FBI background check, conflict of interest declarations, and confidentiality agreements. The Division of Biosafety has a total budget of around $560,000 with five (5) fulltime employees (FTEs).

Biological Safety Program: The incumbent serves as the Institutional Biological Safety Officer (BSO), as required by Federal regulations, and develops, implements and supervises the broad biological safety and biosecurity programs mandated for the award and acceptance of all extramural funding (federal, state and local). Serves as the subject matter expert to management, researchers, faculty, and Principal Investigators in biological safety, containment and biosecurity issues, for research involving infectious agents, blood borne pathogens, human gene transfer, transgenic animals/plants, viral vectors, Select Agents and Toxins, and recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

The incumbent also serves as the subject matter expert for the shipping or import of infectious substances; Respond to biohazardous spills, and the segregation, treatment and disposal of infectious and other biological materials. Manages and performs audits and risk assessments of research facilities and procedures, advising researchers and management on the implementation of Federal and state guidelines and regulations, as well as “best practices”. Reviews designs and plans for remodeling, renovation and new construction in laboratories and laboratory support space (such as the vivarium), to ensure compliance with Federal, state, and local requirements for biological containment and occupational health. Ensures policies within the realm of the Biosafety Program are up to date, procedures and processes are efficient and effective, and that direct reports are accountable for areas, procedures, etc. within their responsibility. Incorporate technology when possible to increase efficiency.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Biohazardous Waste/Regulated Medical Waste Disposal Program: As the manager of the entire regulated medical waste disposal program, develop and implement the Regulated  Waste Management Plan in keeping with State of Colorado and  Federal statutes and regulations for the segregation, transport, treatment and disposal of biomedical and infectious wastes from all academic, clinical and research facilities of UCD. Ensures the day-to-day operations involving Institutional personnel (direct reports), contracted vendors for treatment and disposal, and the fiduciary aspects of the program (with a budget of over $150, 000) run smoothly and that all customer queries, requests, and complaints are responded to appropriately and in a timely manner. Oversees the periodic Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure the selection of the best vendor for treatment and disposal of regulated medical waste regarding services and cost. Ensures a transparent and auditable process with internal and external checks and balances.
• Regulatory Responsibilities: As the Alternate Responsible Official, the incumbent may serve at the direction of the RO, as a liaison to Federal agencies and outside groups on the biosafety, biosecurity, and containment related issues, to manage all aspects of the campus “Select Agents and Toxins” program registration(s) with the Federal agencies. The position would conduct annual or more frequent onsite inspections, surveys, technical evaluations, training and program document and activity reviews. The incumbent would be the lead contact for all Federal inspections for the SAT registration and subject to the responsibilities and penalties detailed in 7 CFR Part 331, 9 CFR Part 121, and 42 CFR Part 73. The incumbent would prepare, revise and maintain regulatory permits as necessary. The position would participate as a member of the RO/ARO team providing emergency response on a rotating basis.
• Regulatory Committees:  Serves as subject matter expert and ex officio voting member of and provides technical guidance to the CU Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Reviewing research protocols to determine regulatory compliance and risk assessments of potential hazards, and advising the committees on compliance issues, such as NIH Guidelines, Dual Use Research, and Biosafety “best practices”. Participate in the program for Dual Use Research research reviews, serving as the subject matter expert. Develop and ensure a program for the identification and communication of potential hazards in research involving animals to researchers and animal care staff, which meets the regulatory requirements and the needs of the vivarium programs, in compliance with AAALAC standards. Serves as a subject matter expert regarding regulatory and occupational health and safety aspects of various other University research review committees, such as the Institutional Review Board, when specific clinical trials involve recombinant nucleic acids, biological hazards and human subjects. Incident Investigation: The incumbent responds to biological or infectious materials related incidents, accidents, involving personal injury and/or environmental releases, reporting the nature of and corrective actions for incidents/accidents/exposures and environmental releases to outside agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Science Policy, as mandated and maintaining documentation of investigations and incidents.
• Training: Determines the training needs for the research community regarding biological safety issues and ensures accurate and engaging training opportunities are created either in an online format or “in person” trainings that meet all Federal, state or local requirements. Ensures training records are accurately maintained and periodically checked as research is reviewed and approved by Institutional committees. Ensures direct reports have appropriate professional development opportunities, as resources are available.
• EHS Responsibilities: Participates as a member of the EHS department providing emergency response on a rotating basis (approximately once every 12 weeks). The position participates in strategic planning, advising & negotiating & analyzing & is expected to implement solutions to issues using independent thought & good judgment for all matters pertaining to biological safety and containment. Coordinates with Institutional Risk Management and Research Safety and Industrial Hygiene (RSIH) the review of requests and risk assessments for minors observing or participating in research activities in the laboratories. Prepares PDQ (job descriptions) & determines scope of duties and requisite training for four (4) direct reports (one waste technician, one biosafety specialist, one associate biosafety officer and one assistant biological safety officer) on an ongoing basis. Prepares performance plans, reviews and evaluates performance, provides direction and administers performance improvement or corrective actions as needed. This position is authorized to represent the EHS department when directed by the EHS Director.

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Salary and Benefits:

• The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $64,455 to $108,285.   
• The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
• The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
• This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
• Here is a link to an overview of the benefits package
• Here is a link to a Total Compensation Calculator

Diversity and Equity:

• The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu
• The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
• The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. 

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in microbiology/immunology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, biomedical sciences, public health, public administration, nursing, healthcare, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• The position requires extensive, diverse and progressively responsible experience, including direct responsibility for:
  • Reviewing laboratory and clinical protocols submitted to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and protocols submitted to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
  • Conducting biological safety audits of laboratory and clinical research
  • Developing policies and guidance documents for the research community
  • Interpreting relevant federal, state, and local regulations as they apply to the research community
• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Conditions of Employment:

• Please Note: This is an essential services position.  The incumbent is required to respond after hours during emergencies and report to work for regular assigned shifts during emergency campus closures.
• Candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses, if applicable.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be able to wear and use appropriate protective equipment as necessary
• Must be willing and able to pass a drug screening
• Must be willing to complete a Conflict of Interest declaration
• Must be willing to sign a Confidentiality Agreement

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in the life sciences
• Professional credentials: CBSP (ABSA), RBP (ABSA), CIH or comparable; qualified to obtain such certification
• At least three (3) years of experience in biomedical research laboratories

Competencies:

• Proficient in risk assessments of research with biohazardous material
• Familiarity with clinical research and clinical practices
• Familiarity with biowaste disposal issues and regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion
• Ability to research issues and develop practical solutions that meet the safety, regulatory, and institutional standards
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and deliver training for various platforms and clients
• Ability to identify gaps and needs in the biosafety program and develop options to address them
• Computer skills, including applicable software applications, spreadsheets, and database management
• Strong administrative and supervisory skills
• Taking the initiative to address potential problems and bringing relevant stakeholders together

Job Category: Research Services
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Jan 20, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing