Director of Biosafety and Responsible Official

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a University Biosafety Officer to oversee the compliance with biological safety and manage the Office of Biosafety. Responsibilities include ensuring safety in research involving biological materials and overseeing all biosafety programming.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree plus significant experience—10 years, including 3 in supervisory roles. Preferred candidates will have advanced degrees and experience in Biosafety Compliance. This full-time position is on-site in Athens, Georgia.

Qualifications

• 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience.
• 5-7 years of experience in a Biosafety Compliance program.
• Experience managing large and complex teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to biosafety staff.
• Lead and manage the Office of Biosafety.
• Consult on importation and interstate transport of regulated biological materials.
• Ensure safety of research involving recombinant DNA and pathogens.
• Serve as the Responsible Official for the UGA Select Agent Program.

Skills

Knowledge of regulatory requirements for biological materials

Demonstrated proficiency in microbiology

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering of plants, animals, and/or humans

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Masters, PhD, or DVM in a related scientific field

Job description

Position Summary

This position acts as the University Biosafety Officer as part of the research compliance infrastructure of the Office of the Vice President for Research. The responsibilities include development, implementation, and management of programs and policies related to the university's compliance with biological safety, biohazardous materials security, and federal, state, and local regulations governing all research involving biological materials, agents, and toxins. The role leads and manages the Office of Biosafety and the University Institutional Biosafety Committee, working closely with USDA, CDC, state and local authorities, and professional organizations to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental risks. Key duties involve supporting and consulting with the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; overseeing safety of research projects involving recombinant DNA, transgenic plants and animals, animal, plant, and human pathogens, and biological toxins; managing biocontainment design, construction, commissioning, and protocol development; verifying containment parameters; consulting on importation and interstate transport of regulated biological materials; managing the blood‑borne pathogen exposure control program; overseeing biological safety cabinet certification and autoclave sterilization testing; ensuring biohazardous materials security and employee/student/public health programs; and supporting occupational health programs. Training is a key component and the incumbent must work closely with a diverse community, provide leadership and guidance on biological, laboratory safety, security, and regulatory information, and use professional judgment in interpreting biosafety regulations and policy. The position is full‑time on‑site and requires after‑hours on‑call availability for emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in a Biosafety Compliance program.
• 5–7 years of experience managing large and complex teams.
• 5–7 years of experience managing research and containment environments (A/BSL3 or higher).
• Masters, PhD, or DVM in a related scientific field.
• Registered Biosafety Professional credentials.
• Previous Responsible Official (RO) experience.
• Higher education or governmental agency experience.

Responsibilities

• Biosafety Oversight
  • Provide direct supervision to biosafety staff, including performance management, workload distribution, coaching, and day‑to‑day operational guidance.
  • Lead and manage the Office of Biosafety, including staff portfolios, professional development, schedules, and office priorities. Oversee inspections, training, incident response, and consultations.
  • Consult on importation and interstate transport of regulated biological materials.
  • Ensure the safety of research involving recombinant DNA, transgenic plants and animals, animal, plant, and human pathogens, and biological toxins.
  • Ensure operation of programs such as Institutional Review Entity, Dual Use Research of Concern, Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential, Dangerous Gain of Function, and others as needed.
  • Provide on‑call availability after hours for emergencies.
• Responsible Official Role

  Serve as the Responsible Official for the UGA Select Agent Program. Submit documentation for maintenance of USDA and CDC certifications and other regulatory certifications.

• Research Compliance

  Serve as a key member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, provide support to the research community, and may serve on other compliance committees as needed.

• Administrative and Facilities Overview
  • Provide guidance for design and management of biosafety facilities and ensure suitability for personnel involved in select agent work.
  • Review and approve SOPs, safety and training manuals, and other related documents.
  • Build and sustain inter‑unit relationships with researchers to provide best practices.
  • Support occupational health programs.
  • Ensure development and maintenance of an appropriate website.
• Driving Responsibilities

  Driving is required as part of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for biological materials.
• Demonstrated proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering of plants, animals, and/or humans.
• Registration with the Select Agent Program as Responsible Official requires a Department of Justice background check.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• PPE use such as PAPRs, protective clothing, battery packs, respirators, gloves, etc.
• Standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
• Lifting items up to 20 pounds.
• After‑hours on‑call responsibilities for emergencies.

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).