Biosafety & High-Containment Programs Director

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA is seeking a Biosafety Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of biosafety, high containment, and vivarium safety programs. The role directs six EH&S professionals and serves as campus Biosafety Officer, Alternate Responsible Official, and manager of BSL-3 operations.

The position requires strong regulatory knowledge, experience with regulated agents and vivarium operations, and proven leadership in a highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years biosafety experience including management of BSL-3 or higher containment facilities and working with infectious agents.
• Experience with vivarium operations and animal handling (preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership in a regulated environment, including mentoring and performance management.
• In-depth knowledge of NIH Guidelines, Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard, and federal select agent regulations.
• Experience coordinating tasks across groups to meet goals.
• Clear, concise written communication for training and inspections.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage BSL-3 facilities and operations, coordinating with the High Containment Director and Associate Biosafety Officer.
• Oversee the Vivarium Safety Officer and provide safety services to vivarium staff and researchers.
• Schedule and assign reviews and laboratory inspections, including animal biocontainment facilities.
• Act as point of contact during regulatory inspections (NIH, CDC, USDA, etc.).
• Review and manage the campus medical waste program.
• Develop and maintain biosafety documentation and training programs.
• Oversee comprehensive financial management, budget administration, and funding opportunities.
• Lead hazardous materials spill response for regular and off-hour emergencies.
• Provide full personnel administration for six specialists.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Team management

Risk assessment

Training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related

Master's degree preferred

RBP or CBSP certification

Job description

UCLA is seeking a Biosafety Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of biosafety, high containment, and vivarium safety programs. The role directs six EH&S professionals and serves as campus Biosafety Officer, Alternate Responsible Official, and manager of BSL-3 operations.

The position requires strong regulatory knowledge, experience with regulated agents and vivarium operations, and proven leadership in a highly regulated environment.