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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Biosafety Officer (Biosafety Officer A/B)

Job Profile Title

Biosafety Officer B

Job Description Summary

Under the limited direction of the Associate Director for Biological Safety Programs / Institutional Biosafety Officer, the successful candidate will perform duties of an Associate Biological Safety Officer (Biosafety Officer). The Associate Biosafety Officer provides technical guidance to faculty and staff regarding equipment, facilities and work practices for protection of personnel, laboratories and environment from biological hazards; Reviews experimental design, protocols and procedures and conducts risk assessments; Provides oversight and training for ABSL-3 and/or BSL-3 research programs; Reviews research grant applications, proposals, and activities involving hazardous materials and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (r∙s∙NA) research to ensure safe practices in support of the University's IACUC, IBC and IRB; Participates in biological safety training for faculty, staff and students; Inspects research facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to use, handling, and disposal of potential biohazards and r∙s∙NA; Investigates accidents in regards to Biosafety issues and develops corrective action plans; Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials; Responds (on call) to hazardous materials incidents as appropriate and consults on research laboratory operations and security.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Administer & support development of Life Science Laboratory Safety & Biosafety Programs.  Provide oversight of select biosafety program components as needed.
• Review IACUC protocols & IBC registrations using knowledge of pertinent guidelines & regulations.
• Inspect research facilities for safety & compliance.  Conduct laboratory & vivarium audits.  Provide oversight & provide training & guidance for containment (BSL-3; ABSL-3; Arthropod) facilities.
• Maintain audit and compliance records.
• Provide technical guidance to faculty & research staff. At the discretion of the IBSO, provide mentorship, training, & supervisory activities.
• Conduct, revise, and develop biological safety training.
• Investigate injuries & accidents regarding lab safety & Biosafety issues.  Support various Occupational Health programs.
• Develop & implement emergency response procedures, & outreach programs, for incidents involving biohazards.
• Respond (on call) to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate.  Perform due diligence & track select agent toxins.  Primary contact for biocontainment laboratories.
• Other duties & responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications Associate Biosafety Officer (Biosafety Officer B):

Applicants for Associate Biosafety Officer position require at a minimum a M.S in biological science. A PhD in related field is preferred (i.e., microbiology, bacteriology, virology etc.), possessing documented Microbiology training and work experience in addition to 5 - 7 years hands-on experience in a research laboratory or related combination of education and experience; 5 years or more experience in the field of biological safety in a biomedical research facility; Experience with molecular biology techniques; Experience working in or supervising BSL-3 and/or  ABSL-3 containment research; Experience working with select agents or managing select agents research is strongly preferred; Documented evidence of training program development.

Certification or eligible for certification by ABSA (RBP or CBSP) is strongly preferred; Working knowledge of NIH and CDC guidelines; excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills; Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.  Special Requirements: The abilities to respond and move rapidly and frequently without restrictions, transport up to 30 pounds or more, and wear respiratory protection are required.  A valid driver's license also is required.  Any offer of as well as continued employment in the position may be contingent upon successful completion of a DOJ/FBI Security Risk Assessment for individuals seeking access to select biological agents and toxins, and receipt and maintenance of appropriate clearance in connection with the same.

Qualification for Assistant Biosafety Officer (Biosafety Officer A):

Assistant Biosafety Officer Position requires BA/BS in a biological science with a minimum 3-5 years hands-on experience in a research laboratory and 0-3 years of experience in the field of biological safety, preferably in a biomedical research facility.  A M.S. degree in biological science (i.e., microbiology, bacteriology, virology etc.) or related field and experience with molecular biology techniques is preferred.          

Eligible for or willing to obtain certification by ABSA (RBP or CBSP) is strongly preferred; Working level understanding of NIH and CDC guidelines; Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills;  Special Requirements: The abilities to respond and move rapidly and frequently without restrictions, transport up to 30 pounds or more, and wear respiratory protection, are required.  A valid driver's license is also required.  Any offer of as well as continued employment in the position may be contingent upon successful completion of a DOJ/FBI Security Risk Assessment for individuals seeking access to select biological agents and toxins, and receipt and maintenance of appropriate clearance in connection with the same.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Provost's Center

Pay Range

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.