BioSafety Manager

BioSafety Manager

The Biosafety Manager is a technical and programmatic leader within Environmental Health & Safety Services (EHSS), responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the University's biosafety program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. This role serves as the designated Institutional Biosafety Officer under NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and is the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory liaison, and biological risk assessment. Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Lab Safety within Emergency and Environmental Risk Services, this position oversees all aspects of the biosafety program and supports broader laboratory and research safety, including chemical, radiation, laser, and physical hazards. The role works closely with principal investigators, researchers, and governance bodies to advance a culture of safety and compliance across the research enterprise. The position maintains required institutional designations for research involving biological materials, including recombinant DNA, select agents, and dual-use research of concern (DURC), and serves as liaison to regulatory agencies such as the CDC, NIH, USDA/APHIS, and NYSDOH.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred. Experience in biosafety and other general health and safety disciplines, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. 5+ years of experience in an academic or research environment and/or laboratory safety management experience in an organization with diverse research and development activities, preferred. Knowledge and skill working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques. Working knowledge of biological safety standards such as the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and the NIH Guidelines.

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge and experience working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques; Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) preferred. Working knowledge of biological safety standards, including the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and NIH Guidelines. Functional understanding of research laboratory operations, including chemical, biological, radiological, and physical processes and procedures. Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs, comfortable with public speaking. Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex risks to individuals and groups. Strong written, analytical, and organizational skills, with experience preparing reports and interpreting data. Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to take on a leadership role within EHSS. Ability to work independently in a complex, decentralized environment. Valid NYS driver's license meeting University requirements. Medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and participate in hazardous materials response and investigations, including after-hours as needed. Current HAZWOPER certification preferred.