Director of Biosafety and Responsible Official

Position Summary

This position acts as the University Biosafety Officer as part of the research compliance infrastructure of the Office of the Vice President for Research. The responsibilities include development, implementation, and management of programs and policies related to the university's compliance with biological safety, biohazardous materials security, and federal, state, and local regulations governing all research involving biological materials, agents, and toxins.

The role leads and manages the Office of Biosafety and the University Institutional Biosafety Committee, working closely with USDA, CDC, state and local authorities, and professional organizations to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental risks. Key duties involve supporting and consulting with the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; overseeing safety of research projects involving recombinant DNA, transgenic plants and animals, animal, plant, and human pathogens, and biological toxins;

managing biocontainment design, construction, commissioning, and protocol development; verifying containment parameters; consulting on importation and interstate transport of regulated biological materials; managing the blood‑borne pathogen exposure control program; overseeing biological safety cabinet certification and autoclave sterilization testing; ensuring biohazardous materials security and employee/student/public health programs; and supporting occupational health programs. Training is a key component and the incumbent must work closely with a diverse community, provide leadership and guidance on biological, laboratory safety, security, and regulatory information, and use professional judgment in interpreting biosafety regulations and policy.

The position is full‑time on‑site and requires after‑hours on‑call availability for emergencies.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience.

• 5–7 years of experience in a Biosafety Compliance program.
• 5–7 years of experience managing large and complex teams.
• 5–7 years of experience managing research and containment environments (A/BSL3 or higher).
• Masters, PhD, or DVM in a related scientific field.
• Registered Biosafety Professional credentials.
• Previous Responsible Official (RO) experience.
• Higher education or governmental agency experience.

• Biosafety Oversight
  • Provide direct supervision to biosafety staff, including performance management, workload distribution, coaching, and day‑to‑day operational guidance.
  • Lead and manage the Office of Biosafety, including staff portfolios, professional development, schedules, and office priorities. Oversee inspections, training, incident response, and consultations.
  • Consult on importation and interstate transport of regulated biological materials.
  • Ensure the safety of research involving recombinant DNA, transgenic plants and animals, animal, plant, and human pathogens, and biological toxins.
  • Ensure operation of programs such as Institutional Review Entity, Dual Use Research of Concern, Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential, Dangerous Gain of Function, and others as needed.
  • Provide on‑call availability after hours for emergencies.
• Responsible Official Role

  Serve as the Responsible Official for the UGA Select Agent Program. Submit documentation for maintenance of USDA and CDC certifications and other regulatory certifications.

• Research Compliance

  Serve as a key member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, provide support to the research community, and may serve on other compliance committees as needed.

• Administrative and Facilities Overview
  • Provide guidance for design and management of biosafety facilities and ensure suitability for personnel involved in select agent work.
  • Review and approve SOPs, safety and training manuals, and other related documents.
  • Build and sustain inter‑unit relationships with researchers to provide best practices.
  • Support occupational health programs.
  • Ensure…