Research Safety Coordinator
University of South Carolina

Logo:

Posting Number:

STA00091PO24

Job Family:

Environmental Health & Safety

Job Function:

Research Safety

USC Market Title:

Asst Biological Safety Officer

Link to USC Market Title:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/143853

Job Level:

P3 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title):

Research Safety Coordinator

Campus:

Columbia

Work County:

Richland

College/Division:

Division of Administration and Finance

Department:

DAF Environmental Health and Safety

State Pay Band:

7

Approved Starting Salary:

$65,539

Advertised Salary Range:

$65,539

Part/Full Time:

Full Time

Hours per Week:

37.5

Work Schedule:

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis :

12 months

Job Search Category:

Environmental Health and Safety

About University of South Carolina:

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement:

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Advertised Job Summary:

The Research Safety Coordinator (RSC) assists to implement laboratory safety programs and initiatives at the School of Medicine through close collaboration with EH&S Research Safety Program staff, SOM administrators, department chairs, principal investigators, and laboratory personnel. This position will be a primary point of contact for the SOM research community for biosafety training, laboratory inspections, and consultations on lab hazards, risk assessments, work practices, safety equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training, safety documents, waste management, emergency preparedness, and other lab safety issues. The RSC will promote research safety and compliance and is expected to foster a positive laboratory safety culture. This position will also serve as a part of a collaborative research safety team.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. degree in a biological science (e.g. microbiology, molecular or cell biology, virology, medical technology, biochemistry) and 3 years of experience with biosafety duties or 3 years working in a biological research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

Biosafety experience at a large academic or biomedical research institution; Hands-on laboratory experience conducting experiments involving biological hazards; Intermediate knowledge of laboratory biosafety regulations, standards, and guidelines; Experience conducting laboratory safety inspections, developing biosafety policies and plans, and conducting biosafety training programs; Basic knowledge and application of key concepts of cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology (including current research techniques)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Basic knowledge of biological safety principles and practices; Ability to understand and apply regulations, standards, and guidelines applicable to life science research and laboratory safety; Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills; Ability to solve moderately complex laboratory safety and compliance problems; Ability to establish positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds; Skills to work as part of a collaborative team in EHS and with other groups
Ability to perform inspections in research labs and animal facilities; Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Ability to formulate, recommend and implement practical solutions to improve biosafety and general laboratory safety; Ability to interpret and apply biosafety regulations and guidelines; Skills to develop and implement biosafety policies, procedures and training programs; Ability to effectively communicate with managers, department heads, laboratory faculty, staff, and students.

Job Duty:

Conduct safety inspections in SOM research laboratories and animal facilities, document identified deficiencies, and recommend proper corrective actions. Conduct periodic lab safety walkthroughs and communicate observed safety concerns to impacted lab personnel, Research Safety, Facilities, and other units as applicable. Identify research safety or compliance risks that require collaboration between multiple stakeholders to resolve. Advocate for effective solutions and partner with stakeholders when required to implement new risk controls.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Job Duty:

Conduct biological safety training and laboratory safety seminars for School of Medicine laboratory personnel. Assist to customize research safety training courses for the SOM campus. Promote lab personnel compliance with all research safety training requirements. Provide consultations on lab hazards, risk assessments, work practices, safety equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training, safety documents, waste management, emergency preparedness, and other lab safety issues.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

20

Job Duty:

Respond to requests for guidance on research safety or compliance issues and consult with subject-matter experts as needed. Assist to customize research safety policies, procedures, and guidance for the SOM campus. Assist labs to maintain accurate SOM research safety records and required documentation. Notify Research Safety Officers and assist lab personnel when new faculty are setting up a lab, faculty are shutting down their research, new lab design/construction projects, or significant SOM research lab safety or compliance issues are identified.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

15

Job Duty:

Serve as a member of the USC Chemical Safety Committee. Act as a liaison for laboratory safety discussions and planning between the SOM lab personnel, Research Safety, Facilities, and other stakeholders. Periodically prepare and distribute a research safety newsletter or communications for SOM researchers. Assist with incident investigations upon request. Engage SOM leadership in research safety oversight and communicate compliance status updates or needs for improvement.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

15

Job Duty:

Advise lab personnel on the selection, accessibility, and use of required lab safety equipment. Facilitate required certification, maintenance, and repairs for SOM biosafety cabinets. Coordinate payment of SOM invoices for research safety services. Collaborate with SOM administrators to promote adequate budget funding for all expenses required for research safety services. Facilitate SOM procedures to decommission lab equipment and lab rooms. Assist to ensure all hazards are removed from vacated labs.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Prepare monthly and annual reports that highlight SOM safety performance such as priorities, metrics, new lab risks, and status updates on risk controls, successes, and challenges. Submit annual reports to supervisor and SOM Associate Dean for Research for review. Attend periodic meetings with Research Safety Programs staff and provide feedback to improve SOM research safety operations. Participate in professional development opportunities. Perform other activities as assigned by supervisor.

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Job Duty:

Assist lab personnel to implement corrective action plans for deficiencies identified during lab safety inspections and incident investigations. Encourage faculty to conduct lab-specific training and discuss lab safety issues at group meetings. Assist to promote lab safety self-inspections, development of SOPs, and proper hazardous waste management. Assist to identify and resolve safety issues in shared research spaces (e.g., cold rooms, equipment rooms, core facilities).

Essential Function:

Yes

Percentage of Time:

10

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive:

Yes

Hazardous weather category:

Non-Essential

Number of Vacancies:

1

Job Open Date:

02/01/2024

Job Close Date:

05/01/2024

Open Until Filled:

No

Special Instructions to Applicant:

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by May 1, 2024.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.Quicklink for Posting:

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/163529

EEO Statement:

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

This job has expired.