Assistant Biological Safety Officer - Biological Safety

Summary of Job Duties:

The Assistant Biological Safety Officer (BSO) reports to the Campus Biological Safety Officer and assists with the day-to-day execution of the Biological Safety Program. The Biological Safety Program plays a critical role in maintaining healthy and safe educational, research and working environments directly contributing to the wellness and success of faculty, staff, and students. Daily, the position executes efforts to ensure biological laboratories and research spaces are aligned with the University’s research and scholarly and creative objectives by evaluating and maintaining biological safety across the diverse campus.

The Assistant BSO conducts biological compliance audits annually under the oversight of the BSO ensuring laboratories operate in compliance with established National Institute of Health/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The Assistant BSO then provides support to the BSO in managing resolution of audit findings. The Assistant BSO responds to requests for indoor air quality assessments (IAQ) conducting inspections and taking appropriate IAQ measurements (e.g., mold presence) providing prompt and thorough response to IAQ needs ensuring safe conditions in administrative, teaching, research, and shop areas. The Assistant BSO coordinates and executes response actions, collects samples, performs testing and produces timely reports. The Assistant BSO directly supports the execution of research in the Biological Safety Level (BSL) 1 and 2 spaces by coordinating the annual certification of the Biological Safety Cabinets critical to research outcomes. Finally, the Assistant BSO performs the day-to-day actions of collecting, temporarily storing and coordinating appropriate disposal of medical and biological wastes produced annually across the campus


Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, biology, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education

At least two years of experience in occupational health and safety or a related field with biological safety duties 

Valid Drivers License

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications. 

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology/microbiology from an accredited institution of higher education

At least three years experience in biological, microbiological or biomedical/biological safety engineering

At least one year experience working at an educational institution

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of governmental and institution occupational safety and biosafety regulations

Knowledge of biological/medical waste management techniques

Knowledge of environmental sampling procedures

Ability to support industrial hygiene surveys and use monitoring equipment and instrumentation

Ability to conduct biological safety training

Ability to pass an occupational physical exam and wear respirator/self-contained breathing apparatus and encapsulated suit

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

$45k - $50k commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Richard Ashworth, Dawn Hefley

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.