Specialist

Position Information Posting Number SF01755 Job Title Specialist, Laboratory and Biosafety Position Number 108808 FTE 1.00 FLSA Exempt Position Type Professional Staff Union PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc Pay Grade Level Grade Level: 11 Pay Grade Range Salary Range: $60,008 - $90,497 Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Limited Department Information Department Environmental Health & Safety Contact(s) Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: Contact Phone/Extension Contact Email Physical Demands Campus Location Kingston Grant Funded No Extension Contingency Notes This is a full time, calendar year position limited to June 28, 2025 with anticipated renewal. Job Description Summary The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 22, 2024. Applications received after April 22, 2024, may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs, but are not guaranteed full consideration. BASIC FUNCTION: Assist with the development and management of environmental health and safety policies and programs to advance safety and health within the University community. Promote university-wide compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and nationally recognized standards through a comprehensive training program. Serve as the institution's Biosafety Officer. Coordinate and maintain a comprehensive biosafety program for the University to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements in research and academic laboratories. This position supports both Environmental Health & Safety Department (60%) and the Research Office (40%). Duties and Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: In the area of Environmental Health & Safety: Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of campus environmental health and safety programs that include chemical and laboratory safety, biological safety, and hazardous waste and biological waste management. Manage the University's Environmental Health and Safety training program. Develop new training programs and update existing programs to ensure continued compliance with federal and state safety and health and environmental regulations. Determine training requirements for researchers and students based on job hazard assessments. Ensure staff, students, and faculty are compliant with URI, federal, and state training requirements. Ensure compliance. Maintain training records. Complete training and become proficient in operation of EH&S's web-based comprehensive lab safety and lab management software. Train faculty, staff, and students in the use of this software. Conduct in person lab safety, EPA/RCRA, RIDEM, and OSHA training as requested. Assist Principal Investigators and other lab users in preparing Standard Operating Procedures for the use of hazardous chemicals, hazardous procedures, or equipment. Assist faculty and staff in revising SOPs and training lab staff. Conduct periodic laboratory inspections, prepare inspection reports, and follow up to resolve non-compliance issues. Serve on the University's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Review proposals and offers guidance. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures, and federal and state regulations for working with hazardous chemicals including chemotherapy drugs and other Particularly Hazardous Substances. Coordinate with the EHS Hazardous Waste Specialist to ensure proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste. Perform additional related duties as required. In the area of the Office of Research: In collaboration with the Director of Research Integrity and IBC Chair, be responsible for the following: Oversee the University's BSL-1, BSL-2, A/BSL-2, and BL1-P laboratories. Ensure institutional compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines. Train the research community to work safely with biohazardous materials and toxins. Develop and update training in support of the University's biosafety program; develop new content for the EH&S Biosafety website. Conduct annual biosafety lab inspections to ensure concurrence with current editions of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic DNA Molecules and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL); prepare inspection reports and conduct follow-up inspections. Review and update the University's Biosafety Manual and SOP library annually to maintain regulatory compliance and reflect current best management practices. Serve on the University's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), review IBC registration documents, conduct risk assessments for work with biohazardous material, and recommend risk mitigations to the IBC, as necessary. Enter recommendations in IRBNet for discussion during regularly convened meetings. Assist and support the Regulated Medical Waste program. Manage the University's annual Biosafety Cabinet certification program (70 BSCs). Coordinate with the EHS Dangerous Goods Shipping Specialist to ensure biological samples are shipped in compliance with federal regulations. Assist researchers with approvals to obtain or transfer human or animal biological materials or toxins. Report non-compliance issues to federal/state agencies as required. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Member of on-call emergency response team that has a rotating schedule; respond to incidents 24/7 that involve chemical handling, storage and disposal, environmental spills, and biosafety level 2 events. Carry a university-provided cell phone. Stay current with safety and regulatory compliance topics to meet mandated requirements. Serve on safety committees/councils as requested. LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT: Valid driver's license; previous hazardous materials and OSHA training; personal computers and printers; word processing and use of spreadsheet software. Personal protective equipment. May be subject to criminal background check. Must be able to lift and transport 35 pounds. Required Qualifications REQUIRED: 1. Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related field. 2. Minimum five years' work experience in a research or safety field including two years of experience as a biosafety professional, biological lab scientist or technician, and one year of experience involving the application of federal or state biosafety regulatory standards (including the NIH Guidelines and BMBL). 3. Demonstrated working knowledge of molecular biology, the NIH Guidelines, and biohazard-related risk assessment. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and occupational hazards found in labs including BSL-2 and A/BSL-2 laboratories. 5. Demonstrated familiarity with standard laboratory procedures and operations and ability to communicate same with and provide guidance to researchers. 6. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills. 7. Demonstrated proficiency with written communication skills. 8. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills. 9. Demonstrated ability to prepare and present detailed studies, reports, recommendations, and oral presentations to various groups. 10. Demonstrated ability to provide lecture-based and hands-on training to students and research staff. 11. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others and communicate compliance requirements to research staff. 12. Demonstrated ability to respond promptly in-person to campus locations requiring environmental health and safety services. 13. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations. 14. Must be able to respond to on-call emergencies outside of normal business hours, as needed. 15. Must have a valid driver's license. 16. Must be able to lift and transport up to 35 pounds. Preferred Qualifications PREFERRED: 1. Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, biochemistry, or related biomedical research field. 2. Minimum of one year of experience with ABSL-2 practices and procedures. 3. Demonstrated teaching experience. 4. Demonstrated working knowledge of zoonotic diseases of farm animals. 5. Willingness to work toward the Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) credential. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Environmental Conditions The incumbent may be subject to both inside and outside work. May be exposed to inclement weather as well as noise, hazardous materials, and other hazards including oils. Position at times involves bending, climbing and descending stairs, kneeling, crouching, standing, lifting, carrying, talking, and hearing. May require extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting. Posting Date 04/01/2024 Closing Date Special Instructions to Applicants Please attach the following 3 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application: Cover letter. Resume. "Other Document-References" - the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application). Quicklink for Posting