Biosafety Officer

Position

Microbiologist II

Opening 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 (includes a 5.5% recruitment and retention stipend)

Position Number:  
•

Location:

Augusta
• Visa Sponsorship:
Not eligible
• Telework:
Partial telework with management approval

The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) is seeking a laboratorian to serve as the Biosafety Officer (BSO). The BSO will oversee biosafety training and practices, prevent exposure to hazards associated with biological materials, multi-drug-resistant and emerging pathogens, and bioterrorism threats for the HETL Clinical Microbiology Section. The role involves developing and monitoring the laboratory biosafety program, providing workforce training, assisting with risk assessments and mitigation plans, and collaborating with key partners to improve emergency management and response.

• 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 including chemical, radiological, and other safety areas.
• Interpret and enforce local, state, and federal biosafety standards, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Educate staff on safety protocols, proper PPE usage, and secure shipping of hazardous/infectious materials.
• Maintain bi‑annually IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certifications for staff.
• Participate in the Federal Select Agent program.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or related scientific field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related microbiological field.
• Responsibility in microbiology may substitute for education on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Experience in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory operations.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, root cause analysis, and continuous quality improvement.
• Experience in conducting small and large safety trainings in areas such as 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 ASCP, RBP from ABSA International, or CBSP.
• Ability to meet all Select Agent federal regulations (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

• Paid holidays: 13 holidays.
• Sick leave: 12 days.
• Vacation: 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually, with accrual increasing with service; overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health insurance coverage:
  State pays 85‑100% of employee‑only premiums.
• Health insurance premium credit:
  Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%.
• Dental insurance:
  State pays 100% of employee‑only dental premiums.
• Retirement plan:
  State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of employee pay to Maine PERS.
• Parental leave:
  Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents, with additional unpaid leave under FMLA.
• Other wellness benefits under the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members. Our process ensures an inclusive environment for applicants of all backgrounds, including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.