The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) seeks a Biosafety Specialist II to join the Biosafety & Biosecurity team which oversees all Stanford University work with biohazardous materials and/or recombinant DNA and synthetic nucleic acids. Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Biosafety & Biosecurity group of EH&S and with limited supervision you will ensure the safe use of campus biological agents, recombinant DNA and biohazards in accordance with Cal OSHA, NIH Guidelines and other applicable regulations. The Biosafety Specialist (BSP) will proactively ensure the minimization of risk related to non-compliance with regulations and policies governing the conduct of biomedical research. This position will provide support to other laboratory safety programs across the university to promote the safety of faculty, staff and students. Working with other members of the Biosafety team you will review Clinical Gene Transfer trials using recombinant nucleic acids or infectious agents in preparation for the Administrative Panel on Biosafety, including communication with the Stanford University IRB as needed.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, implement, and maintain programs, systems, and procedures necessary to ensure the overall safety and health of employees and the community.
- May develop and conduct employee and student training, emergency preparedness activities, and/or assurance and accreditation programs.
- Identify, assess, and monitor workplace hazards (including but not limited to, chemical, physical, biological, and radiological) that could be present in the work area; remediate hazards, and/or recommend improvements to minimize hazard potential.
- Investigate accidents, incidents, injuries, and complaints concerning potential hazards or unsafe conditions in the workplace.
- Recommend improvements in processes, design, procedures, and operating equipment to minimize hazard potential.
- Provide technical advice and university interpretation of various government regulations and university policies; maintain working knowledge of specific government regulations.
- May act as a lead or technical expert and provide direction to less experienced personnel working on health/safety programs.
Preferred Education & Experience:
- M.A/Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics, Molecular Biology) or other similar concentration
- Research laboratory experience (3+ years) in a BSL-2 or higher containment
- Experience with human clinical research
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in arts/science in related allied/scientific field and three years progressively responsible experience in occupational safety and health, emergency response/management, environmental science, and/or allied/scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
To be successful in this position, you need to bring:
- Demonstrated ability to conduct effective health and safety surveys, quantitative and qualitative exposure/risk assessments, and data analyses; ability to provide recommendations for exposure/risk control.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences; ability to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.
- Ability to maintain current knowledge of and interpret specific government agency requirements (statutes, regulations, licenses, and permits) and university policies.
- Working knowledge of the scientific and technical aspects of various regulatory requirements and potential impact on assigned work area(s).
Certifications and Licenses:
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently stand, sit, and perform desk based computer tasks.
- Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand.
- Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach/work above shoulder, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, write by hand, sort and file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
- Ability to maintain a valid non-commercial California Driver's license.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments.
- May rarely be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, or heavy metals.
- May rarely work in confined spaces or at heights ≥10 feet.
WORK STANDARDS:
- When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.
Why Stanford is for You:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy.
