Title: Biological Safety Specialist

Employee Classification: Biological Safety Specialist

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-VP Finance & Admin

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Risk Mgmt Services

Department: UNT-Risk Mgmt Services-Gen-152600

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu .

Department Summary

The University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas is a Tier 1 Research Institution with over 100 Biological Research Laboratories and a fast-growing Biomedical Engineering Department housed in a newly built state of the art facility. UNT has an enrollment of close to 47,000 students with 185 buildings and 12 residence halls on 900 acres. Risk Management Services' programs provide proactive support for the strategic, operational, and financial foundation of the University of North Texas. We help identify, analyze, and mitigate risks to prevent loss and provide a safe and healthy campus environment so that the UNT community can freely pursue opportunities for growth and advancement. To achieve our goals, we work together with the UNT community to help them proactively manage risks, implement preventative measures, plan for their challenges, and work through any issues that occur.

Position Overview

This position provides professional expertise to the University community in the evaluation and control of biological hazards and is responsible for implementing and maintaining a comprehensive biosafety program for the University of North Texas. This position will be responsible for combining professional judgment and technical expertise to identify, analyze, and control hazards throughout the campus community with a continued focus on the delivery of excellent customer service. The Biological Safety Program Manager works collaboratively with numerous stakeholders including Academic Affairs, Research, Facilities, Auxiliary Services, and Student Affairs to promote, educate, and facilitate safety in areas containing biological hazards. The position is also serves a critical role in the institutions overall laboratory safety program and is an integral part of the Environmental, Health, and Safety team within Risk Management Services.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field and 4 years related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence; capable of building and maintaining strong working relationships, understanding various perspectives to complex problems.
• Demonstrates the ability to understand the scope of university operations, identify and assess exposures involving biological and research activities resulting from these operations.
• Capable of working side by side with faculty, staff, students, compliance, legal and other professionals to produce results that meet and/or exceed expectations.
• Capable of working with regulatory agencies and auditors to resolve issues and represent UNT in a positive manner.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in the biological sciences or related field and four years of directly related professional experience. Certification through ABSA or other related credentials.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

None

Job Duties:

• Perform facility inspections where biological hazards exist
• Manage the biohazard waste program for teaching, research, and clinical spaces.
• Investigate and respond to biological and laboratory incidents and emergencies.
• Perform facility inspections where laboratory hazards exist.
• Take a significant role in developing and implementing the broader laboratory safety program in conjunction with other laboratory safety professionals.
• Work closely with Public Health and within the greater Environmental, Health, and Safety group to accomplish team goals and objectives.
• Manage the bloodborne pathogen training and compliance program for the University.
• In conjunction with Research Compliance, review and update the University Biosafety Manual and develop standard operating procedures as appropriate.
• Provide outreach opportunities and training to educate stakeholders on biological safety topics.

Work Schedule:

M-F 8-5

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here .

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.