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Washington University in St. Louis

Biosafety Specialist - Environmental Health & Safety Office of Biological Safety

Washington University in St. Louis, ST Louis, MO, United States


Scheduled Hours
40

Position Summary
The Biosafety Compliance Specialist (BCS) position has responsibility for implementing and monitoring IBC procedures required for compliance with Washington University policies, federal and sponsoring agency regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (Guidelines), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The BCS will be responsible for implementing and monitoring Washington University policies and procedures related to Biosecurity, including, but not limited to, tracking of Material Transfer Agreements (in concert with the WU Office of Technology Management) and Department of Commerce Export Controls Regulations.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Oversees EH&S related training development and delivery.
    • Assists with development and maintenance of EH&S aspects of the university's Learning Management System.
    • Reviews and updates all laboratory and clinic training materials as required.
    • Assists with reviewing and updating all BSD-related policies and procedures on a periodic basis.
    • Assists with development of new university-wide initiatives and special projects as needed to maintain compliance.
  • Directs the development and delivery of the DOT/IATA Shipping Program for Infectious Substances and Diagnostic Specimens. Maintains records of all IATA-related training activities. Assists researchers when applying for import or export permits for the transport of Dangerous Goods.
  • Serves as an initial reviewer for IBC protocol, including communicating with Principal Investigators to obtain additional information required for thorough risk assessment.
  • Performs laboratory visits in support of IBC protocol reviews.
  • Serves as a member of the WU Hazardous Materials Spill Response Team (HAZWOPER).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working on or with institutional compliance programs and committees (e.g. Institutional Biosafety Committee, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Review Board-Human Subjects Committee.).
  • Additional work experience in a biomedical research setting.
  • Demonstrated understanding of a regulatory environment and ability to interpret regulations and institutional policy.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information, work independently and exercise good judgment.
  • Excellent attention to details.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills to deal with heavy volume and deadlines.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to be conversant in biomedical research terminology.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with many levels within the organization.
  • Computer experience in maintaining and working in databases, email systems and websites critical.
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or B.A. degree required, biological sciences preferred.
  • Five years work experience in research compliance, research administration or EH&S-related activities required, preferably at a research-intensive university or research institute.
  • Required Licensure/Certification/Registration: Successful candidates must submit to U.S. Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment. DOT/IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification.
Grade
G15

Salary Range
$84,200.00 - $148,500.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal
  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
  • Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.
  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.


For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.