Director of Operations and ARO

Job Description: Perform investigations, inspections and follow up to ensure compliance with local and federal governing bodies. Develop, deliver and update programming designed to educate, protect and ensure safety compliance across all Research Unit departments. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes, safety trainings and other necessary data points. Act as Biological Safety Officer for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance. Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provides guidance on biological safety related matters, making independent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions. Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans. Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning. Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products, and work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans. Compile reports, protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative functions that support the biological safety program. Serve as liaison with governmental and voluntary agencies, other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, and other personnel on matters involving biological safety including emergency response. Maintain understanding of current trends, changes in biological safety regulations and maintains knowledge of codes, standards, and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and continuing education courses. Serve as a voting member of IBC and HTRL-IBC, upon appointment by University Leadership. Conducting reviews, assessments, and ensuring safety and compliance of protocols on behalf of the University. Serve as an Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program and oversee the process for developing and distributing Agent Profile Forms. Assist in assessment and possible cleanup of biological spills in laboratories. This includes carrying a pager periodically and being 'on-call' for emergency consultation off hours. Directs and develops a professional and technical team of Laboratory Safety specialists committed to coordination of laboratory safety and compliance services, including laboratory safety inspections and related training. Developing and implementing strategic plans for UC's emergency response to laboratory accidents/incidence including UC's on-call safety program and accident/incident investigations. Provide insight and feedback on University wide Safety procedures and policies to the Associate Provost for Research safety, the Research Safety Policy Council, Internal/External Auditors, and other relevant agencies. Oversee and act as liaison between relevant parties for hazardous material shipping including data integration with eSHIP, providing in-person/online training compliant with IATA/DOT regulations for both research and clinical material, advising on export control issues as requested. Lead efforts to improve the EHSA Laboratory Safety data management system working with the Director of Business integration, Environmental Health and Safety, Lab Safety Specialists, and other stake holders to improve data integrations, user experience, data fidelity/scope, and other future innovations to the system to streamline access to Lab Safety Data and Functions. Managing budgetary resources, personnel, and equipment necessary to support ORS operations effectively. Setting performance goals, providing feedback, and evaluating the performance of direct reports to foster professional development and ensure accountability. Manages the development, planning and implementation of the University's environmental health and safety programs. Maintains the University's Emergency Management Plan and monitors departmental budgets. Manages professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates. Performs other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Education: Advance degree in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or one of the life sciences. Experience: Experience in a laboratory or related industry (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences research laboratory, etc.). Experience in biosafety/lab safety. Experience, education and/or training in the realms of recombinant DNA or synthetic biology. Licenses and Certifications: Relevant certifications (e.g., American Society for Microbiology National Registry of Certified Microbiologists-Biosafety, American Biological Safety Association Certified Biosafety Professional-CBSP, qualification in laboratory safety). Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Proficiency with database (e.g. MS Access) design and maintenance, ability to write queries and design/generate reports. Preferred Competencies Knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to research involving recombinant or synthetic DNA molecules (r/sDNA) and/or infectious agents. Agencies involved include the CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD, OSHA, and FDA. Ability to travel for attending and/or presenting work at regional and national scientific conferences in the field of biological safety. Ability to work successfully with a wide variety of people at all levels of knowledge. Strong organizational skills. Ability to problem solve, remain calm in emergency situations, stay focused, work under pressure with frequent interruptions. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover letter (preferred) References (3)(required) J-18808-Ljbffr