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Provost Office of Research Safety

About the Department

The University of Chicago Office of Research works with faculty and deans to support and enhance research and to support and oversee institutional research infrastructure including University Research Administration (URA), Research Development Support, the Office of Research Safety, Research Computing Center, Globus, the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (CASE), and Schmidt Future Fellows.

Job Summary

The Biological Safety Officer (BSO) at the University of Chicago works closely with Biological Safety Officers (BSOs), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Select Agent Institutional Biosafety Committee (SAIBC), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Animal Resources Center (ARC), the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists, UC faculty, staff, and students to coordinate services, review facilities, and provide appropriate safety training and technical support as necessary. The position also services on the University\'s emergency response team for situations involving biohazardous agents and/or other hazardous materials. Reports to the Director of Biosafety.

Responsibilities

Perform annual laboratory inspections, including appropriate follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions, for BSL2, ABSL2, BSL3, ABSL3 laboratories located on the Hyde Park campus and assist with similar inspections at the H.T. Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) to ensure compliance with the applicable internal (e.g. IBC) and external (e.g. CDC, NIH, USDA) safety regulations or requirements. Perform facility and research protocol reviews as necessary or as requested by the Director of Biosafety and/or IBC and in direct cooperation with UC faculty and staff, building coordinator, department safety representative, or department head, as appropriate. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes. Works collaboratively with ORS Chemical and Radiation Safety staff and Divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists in the development and implementation of research safety program elements.

Act as BSO for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance. Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provides guidance on biological safety related matters. Possess knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to research involving recombinant DNA molecules (rDNA) and/or infectious agents. Agencies involved include the CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD and FDA. Act as signatory for the BSOs for matters relating to biological safety in his/her absence.

Develop and deliver appropriate laboratory safety training curricula for University BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories including, but not limited to, blood-borne pathogens, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, biosafety, select agents and toxins and DOT/IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as it relates to shipment of infectious substances. Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document successful completion of required laboratory safety training. Assist in the development of safety Web-Based Training Programs.

Develop and maintain programs designed to monitor and control biohazards. Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products. Work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans. Make inde endent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions. Communicate with faculty and staff, in person, in writing via memos, reports, e-mail, or fax, and by telephone phone for the purpose of addressing/resolving biological safety related matters.

Compile biological safety inspection reports, research protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative functions that support the biological safety program.

Serve as liaison with governmental and voluntary agencies, other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, and other personnel on matters involving biological safety including emergency response.

Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans. Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.

Conduct safety/accident investigations pertaining to BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories as assigned.

Maintain understanding of current trends, changes in biological safety regulations and maintains knowledge of codes, standards, and procedures in safety through publications, interdepartmental training, and