ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is ranked one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Scientists in the institute's six academic research departments work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs to better human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Associate Biosafety Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Biosafety Officer assisting the Associate Director, Biosafety in developing and implementing a comprehensive Biosafety program that is designed to support and facilitate research while protecting faculty, students, support staff, collaborators, visitors, and the environment from the adverse health effects from research involving biohazardous agents and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Associate Biosafety Officer assists the institute's Associate Director, Biosafety to ensure compliance with biological safety standards (Bloodborne Pathogens, Aerosol Transmissible Diseases, NIH Guidelines, etc.), regulated medical waste regulations, and the safe working practices involving biohazardous agents.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Assists the Associate Director, Biosafety in developing, implementing, and administering biosafety policies, procedures, and protocols as part of the Institute's overall Environmental Health & Safety Program.
• Using iAuditor to conduct regular laboratory safety audits of BSL-2 facilities. Discusses the audit results with the research users and their Principal Investigator (PI). Any observations that require a corrective action are followed up until compliance has been achieved. Return to Compliance (RTC) is documented in IAuditor.
• Assists with regulatory inspections (NIH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC, United States Department of Agriculture - USDA, San Diego County CUPA, Cal/OSHA, Association for the Assessment and Accreditation for Laboratory Animal Care - AAALAC); participates in semi-annual IACUC inspections as needed.
• Provides recommendations for the safe use, proper storage, and disposal of biological and potentially infectious waste materials in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and TSRI Guidelines; assists in developing standard operating procedures (SOP) for safe use of biological agents and materials.
• Assists researchers with packaging biohazardous materials for shipment including Category A & B infectious agents to be compliant with DOT and IATA regulations and serves as liaison with Shipping and Purchasing
• Conducts incident investigations if biohazardous materials were in use. Determine root cause and oversees the development of corrective action plans, i.e., processes and training programs designed to help eliminate or reduce future incidents and/or mitigate their impact.
• Performs disinfection, decontamination, and equipment clearance.
• Serves as an alternate voting member (in the absence of the BSO) of the Scripps Research IBC
• Carries out Biosafety Sharepoint Intranet website updates and improvements.
• Carries out administrative/Biosafety prereview of IBC applications to ensure application includes all required information and risk assessment to put safety controls in place.
• Participates in developing IBC meeting agenda, assigning IBC reviewers, preparing meeting minutes
• Maintains administrative liaison with NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) for IBC issues including but not limited to submitting IBC roster and reportable incident reports to NIH
• Reviews SciQuest orders to ensure IBC registration compliance
• Works with the IBC, Biosafety team and EHS to develop and deliver training for IBC members, Scripps Research researchers and other stakeholders. Training includes but is not limited to addressing biosafety and laboratory safety requirements set by the NIH, CDC, DOT, IATA, USDA and OSHA, etc.
• Participates in department emergency response efforts and acts as a member of the emergency response team when biological materials are involved including after hours, on weekends, and holidays.
• Performs other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in microbiology or some other closely related biological science or discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Three to five years of experience working in BSL2 or higher research laboratory and preferably with animals in ABSL2. Experience with research and/or activities involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, cell culture, biological agents, and materials preferred.
• Familiar with Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP), Aerosol Transmissible pathogen/Disease (ATP/ATD), and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL).
• Eligibility to obtain certification as a Biological Safety Professional is preferred.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, presentation and computer skills, the latter requiring knowledge of and skill using applications such as MS Office, Adobe Acrobat and knowledge of web-based data bases.
• Related experience in an academic or scientific non-profit institutional setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively with and manage varied technical and non-technical personalities in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must possess a high degree of self-reliance, flexibility, and initiative.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

May include: Stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; exposure to cold or hot temperatures.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $77,900 to $100,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.