Biological Safety Professional - Environmental Health and Safety

University of Missouri-Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Educational fee discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is seeking a Biological Safety Professional to lead its biological safety program. This role supports over 80 Principal Investigators and enhances safety in research environments. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with regulations and provide technical guidance to researchers.

Ideal candidates are team-oriented, adaptable, and possess strong biosafety knowledge. The role offers an anticipated salary range of $54,000 to $65,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in biosafety or biological research.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant DNA (rDNA) preferred.
• Registered Biosafety Professional or ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Lead UMKC's biological safety program through partnerships with researchers and staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university regulations.
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments of laboratories.

Skills

Biosafety

Laboratory safety

Research compliance

Problem solving

Regulatory guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area

Master's Degree in Biosafety/Biosecurity, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences

Job description

Job Description

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative Biological Safety Professional. This position supports more than 80 Principal Investigators and a dedicated community of research professionals, technicians, and students. As a Carnegie-designated R1 research university, UMKC is committed to advancing innovative, impactful research, and this role is essential to fostering a culture where scientific excellence and safety go hand in hand.

Serving as UMKC's Biological Safety Officer, the successful candidate will provide leadership and subject matter expertise for the university's biological safety program. This position partners closely with researchers and institutional stakeholders to support compliance with applicable regulations and best practices, provide technical guidance on laboratory facilities, equipment, and work practices, and promote the safe use of biological materials. Through consultation, risk assessment, and program oversight, the Biological Safety Officer helps protect researchers, students, staff, and the environment while enabling the success of UMKC's growing research enterprise.

Ideal candidates will be responsive, team-oriented problem solvers, known for their flexibility and adaptability, as well as their desire to learn.

Responsibilities and Key Duties

• Lead UMKC's biological safety program through strong, collaborative partnerships with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral researchers, laboratory staff, students, and other institutional stakeholders.
• Partner with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and collaborate closely with the IBC Compliance Office to support the university's biosafety oversight program, including coordinating and facilitating IBC meetings, reviewing research protocols involving biological materials, providing regulatory guidance, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on biosafety and biosecurity matters, providing technical guidance regarding laboratory facilities, containment practices, biological risk assessments, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations, guidelines, and policies governing biological research and the use of biological agents.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve evidence-based policies, procedures, and best practices that promote a safe research environment and prevent injuries, illnesses, and exposures.
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments of laboratories and other areas where biological hazards may be present; identify, document, and communicate findings and partner with researchers to implement corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents, exposures, and near misses; determine root causes, recommend corrective and preventive measures, and support their successful implementation.
• Develop and deliver training, consultation, and outreach programs to promote awareness of biosafety requirements and foster a culture of safety throughout the research community.
• Monitor emerging biosafety issues, regulatory developments, and industry best practices and recommend program enhancements to support UMKC's growing research enterprise.
• Promote teamwork within the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and contribute to other departmental programs, initiatives, and special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities in biosafety, laboratory safety, research compliance, or biological research have been acquired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Biosafety/Biosecurity, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences
• Hands-on laboratory experience with recombinant DNA (rDNA)
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire
• Eligibility to sit for the Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) examination or the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 years of date of hire

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $54,000 to $65,000 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan # GGS-010
University Title: BIOLOGICAL SAFETY PROFESSIONAL

Benefits Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.