Job Description

University Biosafety Officer at Rutgers University summary:

The University Biosafety Officer manages the institution's Biosafety Program, overseeing compliance and safety protocols for BSL-3 and select agent laboratories. This role involves coordinating with various committees to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations, conducting inspections, and supporting researchers in biosafety procedures. The officer also leads biosafety staff and acts as the Responsible Official for biocontainment facilities within the university.

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
University Biosafety Officer
Job Category
Staff & Executive - Administrative & Support
Department
IPO-Envir. Health & Safety
Overview
The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a University Biosafety Officer for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). The University Biosafety Officer is a manager within Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (REHS) Department responsible for managing the department's Biosafety Group and the Institution's Biosafety Program. The University Biosafety Officer is the appointed Responsible Official for the Rutgers-NJMS biocontainment facilities, including, but not limited to, the BSL-3 laboratories located in the Medical Science Building (MSB), International Center for Public Health (ICPH), and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). The incumbent is the designated official to ensure compliance with various laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures for BSL-3 facilities. The University Biosafety Officer is an expert on the control and safe handling of biological hazards; the position supports select agent and BSL-3 laboratory directors and managers in developing standard operating procedures and protocols for research, maintains and updates the Biosafety Manual and individual select agent/BSL-3 manuals, and works to create consistency across all safety, security, and emergency response plans and procedures.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• The position supports researchers and others in developing standard operating procedures and protocols for research, maintains and updates the Biosafety Manual, and works to create consistency across plans and procedures.
• The Biosafety Officer maintains and participates in constructive and positive communications, and works with the University's Laboratory Safety Committees, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) and Institutional Research Boards (IRB) to ensure compliance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other standards for recombinant DNA and vaccine research, as well as other applicable laboratory safety regulations or guidelines.
• The position reviews research protocols and activities, conducts periodic inspections of research facilities, and is responsible for reporting significant problems and violations of applicable laboratory safety and biosafety requirements.
• The University Biosafety Officer is a leader within the department and institution, and will oversee the activities and assignments of the department Biosafety Officer(s).

FLSA
Exempt
Grade
31S
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
Mid Range Salary
Maximum Salary
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: .
Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
37.50
Daily Work Shift
Day
Work Arrangement
Union Description
MPSC - Legacy UMD
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene and Safety, or other related field of study.
• At least eight (8) years of work experience as a biosafety specialist, officer, or related biosafety function, three (3) of which must be in the area of planning, operation, and oversight as a Responsible Official or Alternate Responsible Official of Select Agent and BSL-3 laboratories, including animal laboratories.

Certifications/Licenses

• Status as a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) required.
• Must have a valid NJ Driver's License and be able to safely operate a university vehicle.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, and other related conventions on select agents, biosafety level 3 laboratories, recombinant DNA, microbiology and biomedical laboratories, bloodborne pathogens, transportation of hazardous and etiological materials, hazardous chemicals in laboratories, and other relevant subjects, including those of DHHS, NIH, CDC, USDA, DOT, DoD, DOJ, and OSHA required.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies and critical situations appropriately in a research setting is required.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, along with superior oral presentation and other communications skills required.
• Use of the Internet for research purposes, and experience with computers (email, desktop software applications such as Office, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage the successful completion of projects.

Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time, wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) up to Level A, and provide emergency response services, as needed (including rotating on-call/off-hours services).
• Experience working in a university setting or health care environment preferred. Outstanding human relations and leadership skills, and the ability to function in a team environment are required; must be able to work independently and without supervision, and on multiple simultaneous projects. Demonstrated knowledge is necessary to accomplish superior performance in a unionized environment. Candidate must successfully complete a security risk assessment by the U.S. Department of Justice and be approved for access to select biological agents and toxins by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a condition of employment.

Special Conditions

• Clean Driving Record

Posting Details
Posting Number
25ST2067
Posting Open Date
09/24/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus
Newark (RBHS)
City
Newark
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:

Keywords:

biosafety, BSL-3 laboratories, biocontainment, select agents, laboratory safety, compliance, environmental health, research safety protocols, biosafety officer, university biosafety

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Work at office, Flexible hours, Shift work,

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