Research Biosafety Officer

Overview

The University of Vermont seeks a Research Biosafety Officer to advance our institutional biosafety program. This role is suitable for a mid-career professional with a solid foundation in biosafety practices, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, ready to take on broader responsibilities and drive improvements in biosafety culture and operations. UVM values established skills and ongoing learning, time-tested practices, and innovative solutions to empower scientific research that serves the public good.

The following materials are provided for context only; administrative and promotional content has been removed.

The Research Protections Office administers oversight of biosafety for work involving potentially hazardous biological materials, recombinant or synthetic DNA, agents requiring high-containment (A/BSL-3) and Select Agents, and use of biological agents in research animals. The university supports approximately 1,200 labs within the College of Medicine and a 3,000 square foot high-containment facility dedicated to BSL-3 and A/BSL-3 research.

• Bachelor s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or related relevant science.
• Eight or more years of relevant experience, including four or more years of direct experience involving assessing and/or handling biological material or infectious pathogens, including Biosafety Level 3, and Institutional Biosafety Committee Protocol Review, preferably in an academic research environment. A master s degree in a relevant field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

• Strong proficiency in public speaking and technical writing. Must be comfortable speaking to large audiences and explaining complex regulatory requirements to both scientists and lay people.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to compose reports, correspondence, and summaries in a comprehensive and organized manner.
• Advanced ability to understand and apply all relevant federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and federal guidance documents.
• Master level knowledge of office productivity software, and internet research, with the ability to quickly learn new specialty application software; especially for protocol submission workflow management.
• Capacity to efficiently and effectively handle multiple demands and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated self-discipline and independent judgement.
• Strong understanding of skills and tasks to provide superior customer service to facilitate research.

While not currently registered as a Federal Select Agent Program, it is reasonably anticipated that UVM will seek registration in the future. Therefore, the successful candidate must be qualified in all aspects to assume the duties and fundamental responsibilities of a FSAP Responsible Official.

• Advanced degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or molecular genetics.
• Direct or substantial collateral experience with the Federal Select Agent Program.
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) preferred.

$87,000 - 95,000

Special Conditions of Employment

• Employment with UVM requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies.
• This position may be required to submit to, pass, and maintain a Security Risk Assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.
• This position may be required to submit to, pass and maintain an ongoing Suitability Assessment as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice for persons with access to any Select Agents.
• This position may be required to submit and receive approval for access to select biological agents and toxins by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
• Achieve and maintain medical clearance and training required to work in a high-containment lab and to wear personal protective equipment including a powered air…