Associate Director, High Containment Laboratories

Georgia State University • Atlanta, GA

3d

About The Position

Georgia State University has been one of the fastest growing research universities in the nation over the past decade. The Office of Research and Environmental Safety (ORES) at Georgia State University is dedicated to supporting research and instructional laboratories, animal facilities, and environmental programs to ensure regulatory compliance, guidance, and best practices for the health and safety of our campuses and surrounding community. We strive to create an environment that fosters excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
The oversight and management of the High Containment Core, projects, and staff are essential to the operational backbone of the university’s research involving infectious biological materials and compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program.
ORES seeking (1) dedicated and experienced Associate Director, High Containment Laboratories.
WHAT MAKES ORES GREAT PLACE?
· A flexible work environment
· Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
· A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
· Professional development opportunities and mentorship
· A rapidly growing research portfolio
HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO
This position oversees operations of the facilities and provides expertise for research conducted in high and maximum containment laboratories. The position plans and implements efficient operations, laboratory security, and uniform safety and training programs. The position works with the Responsible Official (RO), Alternate Responsible Official (ARO), and Senior Biosafety Officer to grow, expand, and execute research in these facilities in line with institutional strategy. The position coordinates with the RO, ARO, Senior Biosafety Officer, principal investigators and the Institutional Biosafety Committee to ensure regulatory compliance with relevant regulations per the biological agents used in the laboratories. The position participates in campus emergency response, as needed. The position provides reports on core utilization rates, budget, personnel and users training, property and equipment, and compliance status. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Research and Environmental Safety, to each PI for projects, and has direct access to the RO.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Viral Immunology or related field and four years of supervisory/management experience and experience in a high containment facilities environment; or a combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Candidate must be able to pass the U.S. Department of Justice security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Public Health, or related field and five years of related experience.
• Registration or Certification by Biological Safety Association (RBP or CBSP) required.
• Certification or ability to become certified for DOT and IATA biological materials shipping within the first 6 months of hire.
• Training or the ability to complete training in HAZWOPER (40 hours) within the first 6 months of hire.
• At least 3 years' experience in BSL3 or ABSL3 and/or Select Agent and Toxins programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• High Containment Core Oversight: Responsible for laboratory operations and activities requiring high/maximum containment work. Schedules projects, ensures appropriate training for staff, faculty and visiting faculty and support and contract personnel. Reviews all protocols in the high/maximum containment facilities. Verifies IBC and other appropriate committee and administrative approvals prior to project initiation. Prepares budgets and hires and supervises personnel. Maintains all facilities related records and reports for select agents.
• Training and Emergency Response: Ensures personnel are trained and competent in handling biological agents. Develops highly specialized training modules in working under high/maximum containment for individuals assigned to work on research projects in the laboratories, per their duties. Ensures personnel receive annual updates and training when procedural or policy changes occur. Coordinates training exercises and drills with GSU Emergency Management and outside entities as needed.
• Occupational Health: Conducts risk assessments with the senior biosafety officer and principal investigators to identify potential breaches, prevent incidents and mitigate the risk of exposures. Ensures all facility users comply with the Occupational Health program requirements, and reports any incidents or deviations to the RO, ARO and senior biosafety officer. Activates emergency response plan elements relating to medical evaluation, surveillance, and treatment after potential exposures and maintains Incident Response and Occupational Health Plans. Serves as the laboratory's point of contact with Emory Healthcare.
• Facilities/Operations Management: Oversees all facility and equipment operations. Ensures that the laboratories are operating per the standards set forth and relevant institutional policies & federal regulations. Coordinates with Facilities Management Services to ensure compliance with such standards, including periodically required maintenance and repair needs.
• Plan and Manual Development: Develops policies & procedures for efficient operation and annually updates the Biosafety and Biosecurity Plan and High/Maximum Containment Laboratory Manuals. Maintains suitability compliance in coordination with the Suitability Assessment Committee.
• Inventory Management: Maintains an inventory management system to ensure compliance with all regulatory guidelines, especially those related to the Select Agent Program and periodically updates the ARO and RO on inventory status.

Benefits

• A flexible work environment
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• A rapidly growing research portfolio

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director