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Rutgers University

University Biosafety Officer

Newark, United States

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Administrative & Support

Department

IPO-Envir. Health & Safety

Overview

The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a University Biosafety Officer for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). The University Biosafety Officer is a manager within Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (REHS) Department responsible for managing the department’s Biosafety Group and the Institution’s Biosafety Program. The University Biosafety Officer is the appointed Responsible Official for the Rutgers-NJMS biocontainment facilities, including, but not limited to, the BSL-3 laboratories located in the Medical Science Building (MSB), International Center for Public Health (ICPH), and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). The incumbent is the designated official to ensure compliance with various laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures for BSL-3 facilities. The University Biosafety Officer is an expert on the control and safe handling of biological hazards; the position supports select agent and BSL-3 laboratory directors and managers in developing standard operating procedures and protocols for research, maintains and updates the Biosafety Manual and individual select agent/BSL-3 manuals, and works to create consistency across all safety, security, and emergency response plans and procedures.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

The position supports researchers and others in developing standard operating procedures and protocols for research, maintains and updates the Biosafety Manual, and works to create consistency across plans and procedures.
The Biosafety Officer maintains and participates in constructive and positive communications, and works with the University’s Laboratory Safety Committees, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) and Institutional Research Boards (IRB) to ensure compliance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other standards for recombinant DNA and vaccine research, as well as other applicable laboratory safety regulations or guidelines.
The position reviews research protocols and activities, conducts periodic inspections of research facilities, and is responsible for reporting significant problems and violations of applicable laboratory safety and biosafety requirements.
The University Biosafety Officer is a leader within the department and institution, and will oversee the activities and assignments of the department Biosafety Officer(s).

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

31S

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

111050.000

Mid Range Salary

140478.000

Maximum Salary

169906.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Employee and dependent educational benefits
Life insurance coverage
Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

Union Description

MPSC - Legacy UMD

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master‘s Degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene and Safety, or other related field of study.
At least eight (8) years of work experience as a biosafety specialist, officer, or related biosafety function, three (3) of which must be in the area of planning, operation, and oversight as a Responsible Official or Alternate Responsible Official of Select Agent and BSL-3 laboratories, including animal laboratories.

Certifications/Licenses

Status as a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and/or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) required.
Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License and be able to safely operate a university vehicle.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, standards, guidelines, and other related conventions on select agents, biosafety level 3 laboratories, recombinant DNA, microbiology and biomedical laboratories, bloodborne pathogens, transportation of hazardous and etiological materials, hazardous chemicals in laboratories, and other relevant subjects, including those of DHHS, NIH, CDC, USDA, DOT, DoD, DOJ, and OSHA required.
Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies and critical situations appropriately in a research setting is required.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations, along with superior oral presentation and other communications skills required.
Use of the Internet for research purposes, and experience with computers (email, desktop software applications such as Office, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.
Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage the successful completion of projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Must be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time, wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) up to Level A, and provide emergency response services, as needed (including rotating on-call/off-hours services).
Experience working in a university setting or health care environment preferred. Outstanding human relations and leadership skills, and the ability to function in a team environment are required; must be able to work independently and without supervision, and on multiple simultaneous projects. Demonstrated knowledge is necessary to accomplish superior performance in a unionized environment. Candidate must successfully complete a security risk assessment by the U.S. Department of Justice and be approved for access to select biological agents and toxins by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a condition of employment.

Special Conditions

Clean Driving Record

Posting Details

Posting Number

25ST2067

Posting Open Date

09/24/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus

Newark (RBHS)

City

Newark

State

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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