Biological Safety Manager

ABSA; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ABSA is seeking a Biological Safety Manager (EHS) to oversee the Biosafety Program and coordinate IBC activities at our South San Francisco, CA site. You will drive regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and biosafety training across laboratories and workplaces.

The role requires strong communication with senior management and cross-functional teams, a deep knowledge of CDC/NIH biosafety guidelines, and proven experience in incident investigations and program improvement.

Qualifications

• BS in Environmental/Health and Safety or related field.
• 8+ years of applied professional EHS experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local EHS regulations and standards.
• Experience with biosafety concepts, recombinant DNA, and biological hazards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Biosafety Program and IBC management.
• Lead inspections, audits, and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Maintain expertise in biosafety regulations and best practices.
• Lead EHS program development, implementation, and improvement.

Skills

Biosafety management

Regulatory compliance

EHS program leadership

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project coordination

Education

B.S. in Environmental/Health and Safety

EHS certification

Additional EHS qualification

Job description

Biological Safety Manager (EHS) is responsible for oversight and continuous enhancement of the Biosafety Program, including broader EHS program integration. This role manages the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and leads biosafety risk assessments. The position is based in South San Francisco, CA

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Serve as a contact and subject matter expert on Biosafety, EHS policies and programs, including managing Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), IACUC, Occupational Health.
• Provide leadership in inspections, audits, and regulatory compliance efforts across laboratory and workplace environments.
• Professional knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to CDC and NIH biosafety guidelines as they apply to infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and bloodborne pathogens.
• Demonstrated ability to apply core biosafety concepts, including criteria for establishing appropriate biosafety containment levels across diverse research and laboratory applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of recombinant DNA technology, viral vectors, and biological hazards.

• Lead EHS program development, implementation, and continuous improvement, including policies, training, and compliance activities.
• Direct incident investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action programs to mitigate hazards and improve safety performance.
• Maintain expertise in biosafety, biological hazards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Understand regulatory changes and trends and forecast site impacts.
• Working Relationships - Must demonstrate effective communication and develop working relationships with senior management, front line supervision, as well as other employees.
• Effective problem identification and solution skills
• Proven analytical and organizational ability

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Environmental/Health and Safety Science, engineering, or Applied Sciences degree is required.
• Certification in an EHS related discipline and/or further education is a plus.
• 8+ years applied professional EHS work experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations, industry standards and best management practices pertaining to environmental health & safety.
• Technical and practical knowledge of biotechnology, research, and development or a willingness to quickly become proficient is required.
• Experience in implementing EHS programs, including Biosafety.
• Ability to work with people in a culturally diverse environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral and presentation).
• Lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact.
• Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant professional certification(s) preferred including RBP, CBSP, P.E., CSP and/or CIH.
• Working knowledge of GLP

This position is based in South San Francisco, CA and will require on-site work at the Astellas West Coast Innovation Center.