Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 11/20/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 01/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy 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, or 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title Safety Officer I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
The successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Biosafety/Biosafety Officer and assumes the responsibility of providing biosafety support to UGAs high containment facilities and assisting the director in regulatory compliance guidance. Will coordinate the implementation of procedures, practices and plans in accord with federal, state and local regulations and established biosafety guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• A degree in biological or physical sciences, Environmental Health or Public Health, or related fields from an accredited institution and experience as a fulltime biosafety professional. Additional combinations of education and experience associated with Biosafety and/or BSL-3 operations may be considered.
• Knowledge of containment laboratories including design and/or mechanical operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of NIH rDNA research and DURC requirements, Select Agent research requirements along with industry standard procedures and practices relative to biosafety and high containment research facilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UGA Tier1, CDC and Department of Justice requirements as an ARO with access to Tier1 select agents. Successfully pass and maintain background checks as required in accordance with Select Agent regulations.
• Ability to wear a respirator and personal protective equipment.
• Vaccinations are required to support on-going research.
Physical Demands
-Work environment is varied and includes, but is not limited to, work within laboratories including containment environments, field, office, animal facilities, and hazardous waste storage facilities.
-Satisfactory pre-placement medical assessment and annual medical clearance and is to include participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program which may include respiratory protection program and vaccinations.
-Random drug and alcohol testing
-Driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting university business.
-Some heavy lifting.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Assist in oversight and in some cases lead in managing Biosafety Programs associated with high containment research (BSL 3/ABSL-3/BSL3Ag) which includes the UGA Select Agent Program and administrative and technical support to the IBC. Serve as a designated Alternate Responsible official (ARO) for the Select Agent Program. Responds to inquiries, participate and coordinate regulatory inspections, prepare inspection responses documents, coordinate with other departments and stakeholders as appropriate, and incorporate inspection results into programs. Works closely with research staff, faculty, students, university units, and institutional committees to promote safe laboratory practices, procedures, proper use of containment equipment and facilities, and the assurance of safety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance.
Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
Responds to, performs root cause investigations, and follow up with laboratory incidents involving biological agents. Serves as a regulatory liaison for agencies that oversee research involving biohazards. Lead and conduct routine laboratory audits including surveys to ensure compliance and effectiveness of Biological Safety Programs.
Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities
Maintains the University's written policies and procedures for the oversight of research involving biohazardous agents. Serves on and /or supports the IBC and IACUC. Trains personnel on basic BSL-1 - BSL-3 practices and procedures and general laboratory safety as needed. Other duties as assigned.
Percentage of time 10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Patrick Stockton Recruitment Contact Email pstock@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents