Biosafety Officer

Summary

Direct and administer the University’s comprehensive biosafety program designed to proactively ensure the minimization of risk attributed to non-compliance with regulations, policies, or accepted guidelines governing the conduct of life science research and teaching. Oversees the implementation of guidelines established by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the University of Florida and agencies of the State and Federal governments, and coordinates the biosafety monitoring, compliance, and response activities of University clinical and research facilities.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Directs, develops, implements, and coordinates the comprehensive biological safety and biosecurity program for the University to enhance institutional biosafety-related objectives and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and directives.
• Coordinates, evaluates, and monitors the delivery of biosafety education and training faculty, staff, and students who work with or have potential for exposure to biohazards.
• Monitors teaching and research activities involving the use of hazardous biological materials and recombinant DNA molecules for compliance with appropriate regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Reviews research grant applications, proposals, and activities involving biohazardous materials and recombinant DNA, and approves or recommends modifications to ensure safe practices; provides guidance to researchers and/or performs follow-up as appropriate.
• Serves as the Responsible Official (RO) or Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the University’s or select agent program, ensuring compliance with federal select agent regulations and carrying out the duties specified in the regulations applicable to ROs and AROs.
• Informs and educates staff, students, and other constituencies regarding biosafety issues; develops comprehensive biosafety educational and outreach programs for schools and clinical/research laboratories.
• Inspects research and teaching facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use, handling, and disposal of potential biohazards and recombinant /synthetic nucleic acids; coordinates the review and investigation of all biosafety accidents occurring on University campuses, and develops corrective action plans.
• Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials; develops medical surveillance criteria for activities involving biohazards and related materials; responds to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate.
• Serves as the principal source of expertise to the University regarding appropriate equipment, facilities, and work practices for protecting laboratories, staff, and the environment from contamination and infectious organisms.
• Provides technical guidance to faculty and staff in the development of safety plans for grant applications; advises facilities and physical plant staff regarding technical and programmatic issues involving laboratory biosafety design and maintenance.
• Serves as the Biosafety Officer of record for compliance with the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.
• Participates in and provides leadership to various internal committees and task forces; actively participates in external meetings and organizations, and maintains liaison with professional counterparts in other institutions.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree or higher in an appropriate area of specialization and at least three years of relevant experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position does have supervisory responsibility.

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