The University of Maine System is seeking applications for an Assistant Biological Safety Officer on the Risk and Safety Management team. This full-time position is located on the University of Maine's Orono campus, with statewide travel as needed.

The Assistant Biological Safety Officer (ASBO) is responsible for ensuring compliance with biological safety regulations, assisting the Senior Biological Safety Officer in oversight of all aspects of biological safety, and promoting a culture of safety across multiple campuses within the university system. The ASBO is expected to work collaboratively with faculty, professional, and classified staff for required bio-containment and biosafety operations in response to issues associated with animal, plant, and disease vectors. The ASBO will provide expertise and regulatory guidance pertaining to laboratory safety for the University of Maine System (UMS). To learn more about the duties and responsibilities of this position, please review the full job description.

The Risk and Safety Management program is a system-wide department proudly serving all seven campuses of the University of Maine System. The department is comprised of talented specialists encompassing all disciplines of risk and safety. They strive to promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement across the enterprise. They look forward to growing the department and providing the necessary resources and education to the UMS staff to foster success.

The normal hiring range for this position is in the low to mid-50s and is commensurate with experience and skills. The University provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation, and sick time; health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and their eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% university contribution, and more. View our Benefits Information Summary to learn more.

Review of applications begins immediately.  For full consideration, you must submit materials by December 8, 2024.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

    Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing biological safety, including but not limited to the CDC’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) guidelines, NIH guidelines, and OSHA guidelines.

    Understanding of biosafety practices, principles, and risk assessment methodologies.

    Understanding of laboratory safety principles, including chemical hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, engineering controls, and emergency response procedures.

    Knowledge of handling, storage, and safety procedures for chemical, biological, and radiological samples.

    Ability to identify and assess laboratory hazards associated with research activities, laboratory procedures, and biological agents. Knowledge of hazard mitigation and control methods, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices.

    Knowledge of procedures for spill response, administration controls, and safe work practices.

    Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to develop and deliver effective training programs on biological safety practices and procedures. Skill in adapting training content to different audiences and learning styles.

    Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders and convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.

    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions to mitigate risk and address safety concerns.

    Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, faculty, staff, regulatory agencies, and external partners.

    Commitment to ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of work including maintaining confidentiality, upholding professional standards, and adhering to ethical guidelines for laboratory research.

Preferred:

    Proficiency in categorizing biological agents according to risk group classification and selecting appropriate containment measures.

Qualifications

Required:

    Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, environmental health, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

    One to three years of relevant professional experience.

    Experience in conducting risk assessments of biological research activities, facilities, and equipment to identify potential hazards and assess risk levels.

    Valid driver's license to drive university vehicles.

Preferred:

    Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, environmental health, or a related field.

    Previous experience working in a university or research environment.