Biosafety Officer (Administrative Analyst/Specialist Exempt II)

Position Summary

Are you passionate about creating a safer research environment? Under the direction of the Research Safety Manager, the Biosafety Officer (BSO) will spearhead the development and implementation of cutting-edge biosafety programs and procedures. As the BSO, you won't just be a bystander; you’ll be at the forefront of our groundbreaking research frontier, serving as a vital member of both the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC). Your expertise will be sought after by Principal Investigators, Students, Laboratory Staff, Department of Research and Innovation, SDSU Research Foundation, Student Health Services, and Facilities Services. The BSO will take a lead role with the Division of Research and Innovation to assist in planning as new research areas are proposed.

The BSO will review research protocols, perform risk assessments and evaluate risk mitigation methods; conduct inspections, audits, and investigations as required; will provide correspondence, reports, safety protocols, and other documents as needed; will develop and conduct training as needed; will represent the EHS department at various campus-wide committees and may be asked to serve as a member of the campus emergency response team. In addition, the BSO will assist in other program areas, such as laboratory safety and environmental health, as needed.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, probationary/permanent position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Environmental Health and Safety celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We understand representation is essential to our success, which is why we strive to recruit and retain highly skilled, compassionate leaders. By prioritizing listening and learning, engaging in critical conversations, and thoughtfully considering the needs of our different populations, we are creating a culture of belonging. We aim to offer opportunities for advancement and foster an inclusive environment, so all are valued and empowered to thrive. 

Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for the development and implementation of programs aimed at protecting the campus community and providing compliance with numerous federal, state, and local regulatory statutes. This department reports to the Senior Associate Vice President for Administration in the Division of Business and Financial Affairs.

For more information regarding Environmental Health & Safety, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires general knowledge and skills in the applicable administrative and/or program field with a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and methods. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biological sciences, or a related discipline

• Three years of experience in biosafety and other general health and safety disciplines, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

• Three years of experience in a research lab setting

• Knowledge and skill working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques. 

• Working knowledge of biological safety standards such as the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.

• Proficiency and skill in database management, word processing, and spreadsheets using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $7,084 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the posi