Biological Safety Officer

The Environmental Safety & Health D​epartment (ESH) is dedicated to supporting UMBC’s mission of conducting research, education, and clinical care in a safe and healthy environment while furthering environmental stewardship and sustainability. ESH provides leadership for university health and safety programs; establishes, monitors, and enforces institutional policies and procedures; and helps ensure that investigators, staff, students, and contractors comply with all federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulatory standards and codes, including university policies and procedures ESH provides education and guidance on environmental health and safety issues, including work practices and activities involving hazardous and regulated materials, equipment, and environments. In addition, ESH provides administrative support for the Institutional Biological and Chemical Safety Committee (IBC), the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), and other independent environmental health and safety committees that review protocols describing research activities.

The Biosafety Officer/Specialist plays an important role in supporting a safe and compliant research environment across the university. This position serves the campus community by providing expertise, guidance, training, and support to researchers, faculty, staff, and students engaged in Biological research. 

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $88,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A limited hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

Oversee the university's biosafety program, ensuring that research involving biological agents is conducted safely and in compliance with applicable requirements. Advise faculty, researchers, students, and staff on biosafety practices, containment, risk assessment and laboratory procedures. 

Responsibilities include:

• Manages compliance with federal, state and University regulations, policies and procedures governing research using recombinant DNA molecules and biological agents and other research activities, including the campus biological safety program.
• Serves as an Institutional Biosafety Committee member.
• Assists investigators and staff in interpreting regulations and guidelines for biological agents and recombinant DNS, biological agent shipping, biocontainment facility design, biosafety practices, risk assessment, work practices, and decontamination.
• Manages the laboratory safety inspection program.
• Assists the Responsible Official with development and implementation of the Select Agent Program.
• Develops and implements training programs.
• Responds to and assists with mitigation of emergencies and spills involving biohazardous materials. 

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field.