About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Biological Safety Services Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of a comprehensive biological safety program and provides educational and operational services related to the implementation of a comprehensive biological safely program including the communication and coordination of related laboratory safety support services.
Essential Functions
- Manages all aspects of the Biosafety program, including interfacing with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Institutional Review Board; participates as a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee; reviews recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acid molecules registrations, Risk Group 2 biological research registrations and grant applications; Biosafety, Biosecurity, BSL-3 and select agents training; and supports animal facilities.
- Manages the BSL-3 containment laboratories and the Select Agent Program when such agents are in use; acts as Alternate Responsible Official having the authority to speak on behalf of the University in the absence of the responsible official; ensures compliance with Select agent regulations including annual review of the program; performs annual training of select agent personnel, liaises with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); maintains all records; assists with commissioning and annual verification of the BSL-3 containment laboratories and annual equipment certifications; develops risk assessments; develops written security, incident response and biosafety plans; conducts periodic inspections to ensure that laboratory standards are rigorously followed; manages annual agent specific training, secured access and occupational health documentation; responds to emergency alarms generated by specialized facilities.
- Serves on the Institutional Biosafety Committee as a voting member; advises the Institutional Biosafety Committee regarding problems of a biologically hazardous nature and recommends actions that may include: denial of proposed activities such as inadequate facilities; imposes sanctions against individuals who are non-cooperative in biosafety matters; suspends activities if any biohazardous activity is judged to pose a significant risk to health or safety due to non-compliance of state or federal guidelines.
- Creates and implements emergency plans covering spills and possible contamination resulting from rDNA and synthetic nucleic acid molecule research, as well as research using biological materials.
- Manages containment levels in accordance with the National Institute of Health Guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports violations of the NIH Guidelines to the University's Responsible Official and the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
- Conducts on-site Biosafety Specific Assessments. Evaluates procedures and laboratory sites for biosafety compliance issues; recommends actions for improvement and monitors work areas as necessary; reviews project-specific procedures with laboratory personnel and/or Principal Investigator, including rDNA or infectious agents; provides on-site assistance for laboratory areas including the evaluation of equipment and techniques utilized in handling infectious agents, laboratory animals, etc. and makes recommendations for the safety and protection of personnel.
- Assists in the assessment of research project activities and makes recommends specific to retraining needs, safety requirements, and documentation; identifies and addresses research protocol safety deficiencies, as defined by federal regulations; creates and continually updates training programs for persons working with biological agents and other related materials; manages implementations of biosafety recommendations of research projects; assists PI and researchers as needed in implementation of biological safety protocols and performs site visits when needed to monitor progress and adherence to appropriate protocols and procedures.
- Manages the handling and disposal of biological waste on campus.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor's degree
- 3 to 5 years’ experience practicing biosafety or working in a related field.
- Proponent of a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity and an advocate of a positive and respectful workplace and committed to personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments quickly while balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
- Participates in sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information discussions used only in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position and that every effort must be made to prevent unnecessary disclosure of information to others.
- Ability to pass a security check associated with the Select Agents Regulations.
- Valid driver's license.
- Comprehensive knowledge of local codes, Massachusetts, and federal laws.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s degree
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
- Experience working in higher education.
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Required to work occasional nights and weekends.
Salary Information
Level 29
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume (and cover letter / optional). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.