Job Description

The Boston University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office is part of the Office of Research, a group dedicated to aiding the research community in navigating the lifecycle of their work, from finding funding to creating proposals to helping inventions find their way to the public.

The NEIDL Specialist is responsible for conducting field tests, verification and certification of critical containment systems for the high and maximum containment laboratory facilities at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL).  The position: Under the direction and supervision of the Associate Director, performs a variety of field tests, certification, and validations of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC) and laboratory containment HEPA filtered systems including HVAC exhaust and supply filters, plumbing vent filters, and other systems equipped with HEPA filter units; conduct  decontamination of contaminated systems and run validations using biological and other applicable indicators to ensure that the decontamination processes are successfully completed; work with facilities, science, animal groups and others and conduct decontamination of laboratory and animal suites and assist in the annual recertification of laboratory containment; conduct decontamination and verification of equipment from the containment laboratories before they are taken out from the containment laboratories; conduct routine efficacy testing and validations of autoclaves, effluent decontamination systems (EDS) tissue digester, chemical dunk tanks, chemical shower reservoir, etc.; assist conduct appropriate packaging and shipping of biological materials from containment laboratories destined to other approved facilities within BU/BMC or other approved collaborating laboratories outside of BU/BMC; respond to emergencies and clean up spills as needed, assist conduct follow up investigations of accidents and incidents; conduct routine inspections and Biological Use Authorization (BUA) and risk assessment of BSL2 laboratories and assist in the inspections of BSL3 and BSL4 facilities; conduct administrative functions and other duties as assigned including but not limited to maintaining inventories of supplies as needed for performing routine and assigned functions, maintaining ready and calibrated equipment, performing safety training for NEIDL personnel as assigned, reviewing, drafting, updating and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), keeping up-to-date and maintaining expertise and knowledge of current and new and emerging technology, techniques and best practices in order to continuously deliver and provide a world class service to support the safe operations of NEIDL laboratory facilities. This position is a “hands on” position, with more than 50% of the time spent performing testing, certification and decontamination of biocontainment systems in mechanical spaces and high containment laboratory settings. Duties include working for short periods of time in maximum containment laboratory spaces dressed in full body positive pressure suits.

Required Skills

Preferred skills: experience, skills and know-how of equipment and space decontamination, testing and certification of Biosafety Cabinets and HEPA filtered systems and HVAC housings

ON CALL REQUIREMENTS: Participate in the EHS on-call emergency response program.  Serves as first responder and as such is responsible for exercising professional judgment to independently determine response phases and mobilization of internal and external resources (BPD, BFD, EMS, regulatory agencies).  Compares and evaluates possible courses of action and makes a decision after various possibilities have been considered and has the authority to make an independent choice and decision, free from immediate direction or supervision.

This position is eligible for the generous tuition remission at Boston University.

The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) is part of a national network of secure facilities that study infectious diseases – whether they occur naturally or are introduced deliberately through bioterrorism. The NEIDL is dedicated to the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics to combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. In addition to Bio Safety Level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, the NEIDL houses BSL-4 laboratories that will operate at the highest level of containment. The NEIDL will add to the growing life sciences industry in the region, throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and across the country.

Individuals seeking affiliation with or employment within the NEIDL may be subject to the following suitability requirements. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in ineligibility for employment or affiliation:

Criminal Background Check: To be completed in accordance with BU Public Safety guidelines and all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Basic Background Check: Includes, but is not limited to, verification of:

• Social Security Number;
• Academic credentials;
• Past employment;
• Licenses and credentials;
• Sexual Offender Registry Information (SORI) check;
• Credit history check;
• RMV/DMV driving record, if required.

Medical Clearance Process: includes Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) evaluation, drug screening, initial psychological screening, and immunization/titer level review completed in accordance with NEIDL Medical Surveillance Policy for all employees working at the NEIDL.

Training and Education: to be completed in accordance with Section 8, Ongoing Personnel Reliability Program, for all employees working at the NEIDL.

Individuals seeking or required to have approval to work with Select Agents will be subject to the following additional requirements:

• Department of Justice Criminal Background Check and Fingerprinting: To be completed in accordance with CDC requirements as part of application to have access to Select Agents.
• Select Agent Use Approval: to be completed in accordance with all regulations including the requirements of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Please note, any individual working in the NEIDL facility and granted unescorted access, is subject to

• periodic background reviews, including but not limited to: criminal background, credit history, drug screening, and behavioral evaluations;
• periodic checks and regular renewals of security credentials, any applicable licenses, and verification of the successful completion of any required training at the facility
• Search of person, clothing and effects prior to entry into or egress from NEIDL

When applicable, individuals will be required to maintain all applicable clearances and licenses and to disclose any changes in circumstances that could compromise access to the facility.

Continued employment/ affiliation is contingent upon strict adherence, at all times, to all applicable safety and security rules, procedures, and protocols, as well as required training regimens.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Job Location Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular
Salary Grade Grade 73