Biosafety Officer

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Microbiologist IIOpening Date:
July 15, 2026

Closing Date:
July 28, 2026

Job Class Code: 4219

Grade: 23 (04)
Salary: $51,979.20 - $72,945.60 per year
* This is inclusive of a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number:

Location:

Augusta Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Job Description:

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is seeking a laboratorian to act as the Biosafety Officer (BSO). This position will oversee biosafety training and practices to prevent exposure to hazards associated with biological materials, multi-drug-resistant and emerging pathogens, and bioterrorism threats for the HETL Clinical Microbiology Section.

The person in this position develops and monitors adherence to laboratory biosafety programs, provides related workforce biosafety training for the clinical microbiology section, assists the section with biological risk assessments and risk mitigation plans, and works cohesively with key system partners and public health officials to improve communications and emergency management and response practices. Efficient communication skills, knowledge of microbiology and general laboratory practices, and experience in laboratory safety, training, outreach, and quality management systems are necessary for this position.

Responsibilities include:

Evaluate laboratory procedures, facility designs, and equipment to identify and mitigate biological risks

Collaborate with the safety committee, occupational health, and other partners to build an effective comprehensive biosafety program that includes chemical, radiological, and other safety areas.

Interpret and enforce local, state, and federal biosafety standards, ensuring the laboratory maintains full regulatory compliance

Educate staff on safety protocols, proper PPE usage, and the secure shipping of hazardous/infectious materials.

Maintain bi-annually IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certifications for staff.

Participate in the Federal Select Agent program.

Minimum Qualifications:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field. Responsible experience in microbiology may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred candidates will also have:

Experience in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory operations.

Experience in conducting risk assessments, root cause analysis, and continuous quality improvement.

Experience in conducting small and large safety trainings for: safety, PPE, OSHA blood-borne pathogen, biosafety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, glove boxes, spills, decontamination, biomedical waste, and sharps use.

Professional certifications such as Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or ABSA International offers a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and certification Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), and the ability to meet all Select Agent federal regulations ( https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ).Thinking about applying?

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The…