BSL-3 Lab Operations & Safety Manager

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University’s Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) seeks a High-Containment Facility Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and safety compliance in a BSL-3 environment across the RTP and campus settings.

The role emphasizes training researchers, supervising staff, SOP development, budgeting, and collaboration with PIs and safety offices to support infectious disease research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, virology, or related field; 5–7 years of related experience.
• Clear oral and written communication; ability to use information systems and lab equipment.
• Work with hazardous biological agents at BSL-2 and BSL-3
• Work with small animals at ABSL-2 and ABSL-3
• Vaccination compliance when necessary
• Complete and maintain US DOJ Select Agent screening
• Achieve external certification for independent work at BSL-3

Responsibilities

• Maintain efficient day-to-day operations of the high containment laboratory facility, including training new users, compliance monitoring, coordinating research activities, resource scheduling and billing.
• Train and instruct research staff and facility maintenance staff for BSL-3 operations; direct day-to-day activities with PIs and researchers.
• Supervise the DHVI Laboratory Safety Officer and manage BSL-3 facility access.
• Source and maintain inventory of safety supplies and lab equipment; ensure SOP compliance and meet user needs.
• Coordinate safety checks, waste removal, decontamination and maintenance with Duke offices/departments.
• Participate in Facility Operations and Core support team meetings; support cost model development and budgeting.
• Join the Duke Select Agent Team; train personnel for Select Agent compliance and drills.
• Coordinate material transfers with Duke offices to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support maintenance and testing of containment equipment and annual BSL-3 re-verification.
• Assist with emergency response procedures for the BSL-3 facility; after-hours response as needed.
• Develop and implement SOPs; lead assay development and validation as requested.
• Complete Health Review for BSL-3 work and comply with vaccination/health surveillance requirements.
• Prepare use reports, IBC registrations, CDC compliance documents, and grant reports.
• Manage hazardous waste handling at RTP; provide shipping training aiding hazardous materials shipping.

Skills

Communication skills

Biosafety knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Job description

Duke University’s Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) seeks a High-Containment Facility Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and safety compliance in a BSL-3 environment across the RTP and campus settings.

The role emphasizes training researchers, supervising staff, SOP development, budgeting, and collaboration with PIs and safety offices to support infectious disease research initiatives.