Eh&S Research Biosafety Specialist, Senior

Department:

11937 Non Enterprise Corporate- Environmental Health and Safety

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

Typically: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Varies if emergency response is required.

Pay Range

$44.15 - $66.25

The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Research Biosafety- Senior Specialist is responsible for oversight of work involving biological materials in Academic and Research work environments. This role works with departments to minimize occupational health, and safety risks and manages compliance with applicable regulations.

This position provides leadership, guidance, and direction in achieving outcomes consistent with the organization, goals, mission, philosophy, and objectives within the Enterprise and Regional protocols, regulatory, accreditation, standards, and academic best practices. The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Research Biosafety- Senior Specialist will develop and implement comprehensive programs, policies, and procedures to ensure all academic and research areas comply with applicable regulations and best practices.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive biosafety programs to promote safe microbiological practices and procedures to protect overall health and safety of employees and the community.

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for research involving biological materials.

• Serve as the Institution Administrator and protocol reviewer for the Institutional Biosafety Committee for laboratory and clinical research.

• Conduct routine inspections of laboratories working with biological materials to ensure compliance with regulatory compliance.

• Leads or participates in incident investigations related to occupational illnesses or exposures and recommends corrective actions to prevent future occurrences through recommendation of appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Provide oversight of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) and Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) containment lab facilities, designed specifically for high-hazard work with infectious agents.

• Provide necessary support and guidance for medical surveillance and occupational health programs required for biomedical research.

• Develop and administer training or educational resources for Research and Academic teammates.

• Directs and interacts with regulatory agency personnel during compliance inspections for research.

• Understands and shares technical expertise with others, including leaders, peers, and teammates and utilizes problem solving skills for complex situations that arise.

• Provide consult for construction, renovation, or demolition projects that affect research and academic facilities.

• Serve as a member of the hazardous materials spill response team, which may also include response on weekends and after regular business hours.

• Participate as Ex Officio member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Chemical Safety Committee (CSC), and other committees as needed.

• Stay current with new regulations, industry trends, and advancements in biosafety/biosecurity, and recommend appropriate changes to existing programs and practices.

Education

Bachelor's degree required. Physical Science, Biological Science, Environmental Science/Engineering, Occupational Safety, or related degree.

Master's degree preferred.

Certification / License

Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) preferred.

Work Experience

5 years of related minimum experience.

Experience in Environmental Health and Safety. Experience in biomedical research oversight, design and operations of high containment facilities, animal research, and/or research laboratories preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Familiarity with regulatory agency code requirements, and the progressive application of these standards, including, National Institute of Health, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, EPA, and OSHA requirements preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, fundamentals, and best practices, microbiological concepts and biomedical research.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with supervision and professional judgment, and ability to work independently or as a team.
• Detail-oriented, demonstrated organizational and time management skills, and ability to manage/prioritize, track, and complete tasks/projects within established deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to interact professionally and effectively with wide variety of individuals (researchers, staff, students, administrators, and regulators), behaving in accordance with institutional values.
• Committed to customer service, timely response, collaboration, cooperative professional relationships, and diversity.
• Ability to use sound judgment and act decisively in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills.
• The position involves presence in research labs, health care environments, animal facilities, and hazardous waste facilities. These locations may result in occasional occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals, and biological agents.
• Ability to provide detailed reviews covering work with animals and infectious materials, recombinant DNA, and toxins.
• Ability to analyze multiple programs, identify areas needing improvements, and prioritize needs for effective short and long-term strategic planning.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, protective suits, etc.). Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits. Must be able to access any facility areas to perform inspections, job safety assessments, emergency response, or related activities.
• Knowledge of laboratory containment engineering, lab design, facilities requirements for verification and reverification.
• Competent using PC, office productivity applications, presentation applications, and database applications.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in multiple facilities requiring travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment.
• Ability to climb/descend ladders.
• Physically able to serve on hazardous materials spill response team.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, protective suits, etc. Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits. Must be able to access any facility areas to perform inspections, job safety assessments, emergency response, or related activities.
• May be subject to hazards (e.g., chemicals, mechanical conditions, etc.) and atmospheric conditions (e.g., dust, fumes, etc.)
• Responsible for setting a strong example of safety by working in a safe manner and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE), as appropriate.

DISCLAIMER

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.