Biological Safety Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Department of Environment, Health & Safety is seeking a Biological Safety Manager to provide management of comprehensive biological and animal research safety program to assure safety and regulatory compliance for research and academic laboratories working with biohazards. In addition, this position serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer and provides support for a comprehensive, university-wide biosafety program in accordance with NIH and CDC regulations.

This position manages a team of seven (7) professional staff members supporting biological and animal research safety. This position provides oversight, direct supervision and support for the biological safety program and is also responsible for development and maintaining policy and program documents and manuals including the UM Exposure Control Plan, Biosafety Manual and university-wide guidance documents and standard operating procedures related to biological and animal research safety. This position provides technical expertise in support of biological, and animal research safety including protocol review, consultation, and in-field services to the research community. The role provides technical and regulatory support to the University of Michigan's Institutional Biosafety Committee which oversees and approves the use of recombinant DNA and specific biohazardous materials. This position reports to the Associate Director of the Environment Health & Safety Department (EH&S)

Expert knowledge of the NIH Guidelines, the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories guidelines, Bloodborne Pathogen regulations, CDC/APHIS Select Agents and Toxins regulations, DOT shipping regulations, IATA Guidelines, and other relevant federal, state and local regulations, guidelines, and standards is required.
 

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good. In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation, University-designated holidays, family care, and a floating holiday 
• A retirement plan that provides immediate vesting and two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance 
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses 
• Paid maternity and parental leave 

Responsibilities*

• Provide biological and animal safety Inspection program management and oversight.
• Ensure inspections are conducted according to protocols, with consistency and quality, escalate outstanding issues according to established protocols
• Lead and conduct outreach, communications and research community engagement
  activities
• Determine laboratory health, safety and compliance requirements; identify areas for improvement; communicate requirements; implement guidelines/recommendations.
• Develop and conduct training relevant biological and animal research safety
• Serve as a member of the U-M Institutional Biosafety Committee
• Attend and provide technical support to institutional safety committees such as Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and U-M School and Unit Safety Committees.
• Review facility designs for new and existing facilities and laboratories.
• Oversee injury/illness/incident response and prevention investigation. Work with organizational units to identify primary and contributing causes and provide corrective actions to prevent recurrence, management practices, and lab specific training.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to ensure the compliant, safe, and efficient packaging and shipment of biological materials in accordance with institutional policies and all applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
   

Required Qualifications*

• Advanced degree in Biology, Microbiology, Occupational Health and Safety, Public Health or related field and professional experience in biological safety programs.
• 5 years leading and implementing, biological safety or other occupational health and safety programs.
• Substantial working knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements that govern lab and biosafety, including the NIH Guidelines, CDC Biosafety Guidelines, and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• Experience with BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratories
• Strong understanding of shipping requirements of infectious substances and import and export permits and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate collaborative positive relationships across the University, and externally with peers.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences including faculty, staff, students, regulatory agencies, University departmental leaders and administrators.
• Demonstrated accountability, sound decision-making, time management, prioritization.
• Capable of successfully managing multiple projects with critical deadlines.
• Self-motivation and ability to self-direct and lead in situations with ambiguity including emergency/crisis situations.
• Proficiency with data management and analysis tools in a Windows environment, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Must have a valid driver's license; ability to obtain commercial driver's license may be necessary.
• Must be able to maintain medical clearance to allow for emergency response and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
   

Desired Qualifications*

• Registered or Certified Biological Safety Professional credentials.
• Experience in academic research environment
   

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Facilities & Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.