Assoc Biological Safety Officer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Building: 617 West 168th Street, 2nd Flr
• Salary Range: 62,400 - 70,500

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Biological Safety Officer, the Associate Biological Safety Officer (ABSO) will promote and support the comprehensive biological safety program at all five Columbia University campuses. Candidate must demonstrate in depth knowledge of biological safety regulations and professional guidelines and keep abreast of regulatory changes. Successful candidate must cooperatively integrate activities with other EH&S programs and creatively interacts with multidisciplinary staff to address current and evolving health and safety issues.

SUBJECT TO BUSINESS NEEDS, WE MAY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS. OPTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological safety field surveys by visiting laboratories to assess safety practices and compliance with regulated activities. Assemble reports and review with Biosafety Officer to establish follow-up priorities and ensure that required remedial actions are taken.
• Conduct field-based outreach and education to promote best practices for non-regulated activities such as biological materials inventory, effective tissue culture practices and hand hygiene.
• Maintain the biological safety cabinet (BSC) certification program by performing annual BSC certification checks on full inventory of ~500 BSCs on all campuses and maintaining the associated database.
• Investigate issues pertaining to Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) by responding to reports of improper handling or management of RMW, and promote a program to reduce RMW volumes through effective waste segregation and recycling of non-RMW.
• Support compliance with the Select Agent regulations by compiling inventory, access log and autoclave records.
• Work with Occupational Safety Team to investigate and solve problems related to mold propagation and water intrusion, and other Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Investigations.
• Support research community in shipment of biological materials by providing field-based consults and competency assessments on packaging, labeling and documentation, and ensuring compliance by surveying FedEx drop-boxes for improper package preparation or drop-off.
• Coordinate Biological Safety operations in collaboration with other EH&S programs including Research Safety, Industrial Hygiene and Hazardous Materials Management.
• Investigate biological exposure incidents. Maintain an accident/incident database.
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in life or environmental sciences or closely associated scientific field. Must have effective knowledge of the CDC's Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). Must be able to work independently from direct supervision but report effectively to management. Must be persistent and goal-driven, but courteous and diplomatic, with an ability to employ "emotional intelligence". Must be able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and demonstrate creative, solution-oriented approaches. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise sound judgment are required. Computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, and respirator fit testing required. Must be able to pass an FBI Security Risk Assessment screening for participation in the Select Agent Program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Type preferred qualifications

Other Requirements

• Type other requirements and/or special indicators if CUIMC

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Commitment to Diversity

Columbia University is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. Achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. In fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the University, Columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.