Job description
Research Safety Professional (Biosafety)
Division of Research Safety
The Division of Research Safety (DRS), is seeking applicants for a Research Safety Professional, to provide technical guidance to facilitate the safe use of regulated and hazardous materials in the conduct of research, teaching, and related activities, and enable compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding hazardous materials use and waste requirements associated with the Urbana-Champaign campus. DRS partners with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, campus researchers, unit safety contacts and the campus community to promote an effective, world-class safety culture.
This position’s focus is to provide support for campus biosafety and biosecurity programs. The incumbent will be an integral partner with the University’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) by conducting independent IBC reviews, assisting the committee with IBC projects requiring a faculty review panel, performing specialty biosafety audits related to IBC submissions, completing post-IBC meeting follow-up and subsequently issuing approvals on behalf of the IBC.
Job Summary
- Serve as a technical expert by applying scientific knowledge to researchers and the campus community regarding compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Advise researchers and staff on how to handle hazardous materials by reviewing research protocols and processes to evaluate the overall risk.
- Provide subject matter expertise and information relating to specific research activities to compliance oversight committees.
- Serve as a contact point to ensure effective communication between committees and researchers.
- Pursue professional development activities to expand/maintain scientific/technical expertise.
- Review scientific and procedural literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research support.
- Network with colleagues at other institutions, and share program information via publications, presentations, and participation in professional associations.
- Apply specialized, scientific knowledge on the reactivity of hazardous materials and mixtures to assist in research procedure development.
- Guide laboratory staff and other campus staff in development and implementation of safe, effective research and safety plans, which includes proper methods and practices to conduct work safely.
- During annual or requested visits, advise researchers on updating methods using hierarchy of controls to mitigate risk.
Hazardous Materials and Process Applications
- Propose and develop policies, program updates, educational tools, and data management related to hazardous material management.
- Use specialized, scientific knowledge to determine the proper methods for handling and disposal conditions of unknown, potentially reactive/combustible/explosive/infectious, or mixed hazardous waste.
- Provide training and enforce consistent storage and use methodologies of all regulated materials and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Counsel and review applicability of hazardous material regulations within the designated, specialized scientific area to fundamental research conducted in campus laboratories and other associated research work areas.
- Understand, interpret, and implement federal, state, and local regulations regarding hazardous material handling and disposal (EPA, IEPA, OSHA, IOSHA, NIH, CDC, FDA, IEMA).
- Work with researchers to obtain necessary approvals for work with regulated materials. Ensure researchers and the campus community meet the requirements of relevant standards adopted by the university.
- Ensure incidents are reported to regulatory agencies as required by being a liaison between agencies and those handling the materials.
- Audit laboratories and other necessary facilities annually, communicate issues and provide recommendations for improvements.
- Provide guidance for the proper transport, shipment and related documentation of hazardous materials.
- Ensure handling and disposal of hazardous waste generated by research activities complies with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act campus permit and other applicable regulations.
- Liaise with local emergency responders and serve as a resource for unique hazardous material information. Perform incident investigations to determine root causes and develop a corrective action plan in collaboration with researchers or staff.
- Assist In quenching, decontaminating, or mitigating high hazards situations involving hazardous materials or laboratory procedures.
Teaching
- Teach specialized classes and present training/information to large and small groups as needed.
- Develop specialized curricula for researchers on hazardous material handling techniques, including technical guidance documents, online classes and tutorials, and other resource materials.
- Onboard new researchers into the research environment.
- Document audit findings, consultations, and other safety and compliance related activities for multiple safety programs.
- Perform duties as needed to further enhance the mission and goals of DRS.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, microbiology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, public health, medical technology, veterinary/animal sciences, or a closely related scientific or technical field.
Two years of professional work experience with biological materials in a laboratory environment. Demonstrated experience handling hazardous waste materials and providing laboratory support. Experience performing risk assessments working with hazardous materials, which include recombinant DNA and/or biohazards such as pathogens, biotoxins, or human-origin materials.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in above noted fields. Experience involving compliance oversight with federal and state regulations such as the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Experience working with viral vectors or infectious diseases.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Familiarity with standard laboratory operating and safety procedures and an understanding of the research culture in a university setting. Exemplary communication, personal relations, team, and presentation skills. The ability to perform with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under stringent deadlines.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after June 13, 2023. Salary is commensurate with experience, but will be a minimum of $63,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 13, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1016788
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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