Associate Biological Safety Officer

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University invites applications for an Associate Biological Safety Officer to support the Biosafety Team within EHS. This entry-level position offers exposure to biohazardous materials programs and compliance across Harvard schools.

You will assist in risk assessments, training delivery, and policy development, reporting to the Biosafety Manager. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of related experience, with a willingness to learn and collaborate across labs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience or an equivalency of professional training, certifications, and work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Ability to learn quickly and work with diverse clients.

Responsibilities

• Support the Biosafety Team with field and technical tasks.
• Assist in implementing biosafety programs for biohazardous materials.
• Conduct risk assessments and assist COMS registrations.
• Deliver safety trainings and updates to policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in biology / microbiology / molecular biology

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Word

SharePoint

Teams

Database applications

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Position Summary

• The Associate Biological Safety Officer (ABSO) is responsible for providing support to the Biosafety Team within the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office and contributing to a culture of safety at Harvard.
• This position offers a great opportunity for an entry-level biologist, EHS professional, or person looking for a career transition to gain experience in the biosafety field.
• Primary responsibilities include providing technical and field support to the EHS Biosafety Team and assisting in the implementation of programs and services relating to the use of biohazardous materials and/or recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids within Harvard schools.
• The ABSO will participate in a variety of support tasks and will report to the Biosafety Manager.
• Duties may include acting as a customer liaison between university clients (such as laboratory principal investigators and research staff), Facilities Management, and EHS.
• This position provides emergency response support on a rotational basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitates the integration of biosafety into laboratory operations and promotes safe work practices based on regulatory requirements, best management practices, and University Policy.
• Develops and maintains proficiency in regulations, standards, guidelines, and trends in biological safety and environmental health and safety. Communicates requirements to EHS colleagues and University lab customers, as required.
• Collaborates with EHS Lab Safety Advisors and other Biosafety Team members to perform inspections, compliance reviews, and hazard assessments of research laboratories, research animal facilities, and other support facilities.
• Authors timely, peer-reviewed compliance reports and monitors corrective actions.
• Conducts risk assessments of biological research protocols, processes applications for registration with the Harvard Institutional Biosafety Committee (COMS), and participates in COMS meetings.
• Delivers and assists in the development of safety training, including biological, general, and physical hazard protection in laboratories, effective safety and exposure control use, hazardous materials shipping, and other customized trainings.
• Updates and contributes to drafting policies, guidelines, and procedures for the University’s Biological Safety Program (BL1 to BL3), as assigned.
• Aids in the response and investigation of laboratory-related accidents or exposures.
• Supports preparation for and assists in the conducting of regulatory site visits.
• Assists with additional EHS project and program work, as needed

Working Conditions:

• Participate in EH&S Emergency Response Team on a rotating basis.
• Will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff
• Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects
• Emergency Status Designation:Critical Operations Personnel

Physical Requirements:

• Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits
• Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment, be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience or an equivalency of professional training, certifications, and work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelors degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field or an equivalency of professional training, certifications, and work experience.
• A strong willingness and excitement to learn and grow, both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting, handling multiple assignments with diverse clients in various academic research areas (e.g., biology, chemistry).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, clear communication style, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Must be able to use database applications, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity
• Education
• Criminal
• Drug Test
• References

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.