Unlocking the Power of Biosafety: Join the Team at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute

Job Responsibilities: BS Life Science Jobs

Lab Inspections

• Evaluate facilities for appropriate laboratory design
• Reviews facilities and laboratory safety practices and documentation to determine compliance with the most current editions of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL).
• Conducts post-approval monitoring for Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approved studies
• Prepares laboratory inspection reports
• Supports researchers to obtain permits, MTAs, or approvals to obtain or transfer human or animal biological materials or toxins
• Enters inspection data into databases
• Communicates all deficiencies to the Responsible Official/Biological Safety Officer/ Institutional Biosafety Committee (RO/BSO/IBC) and to the Principal Investigators and laboratory research staff
• Evaluate the security and control measures for valuable biological material to prevent theft loss or release.

IBC Application Review and Risk Assessment

• Review incoming submissions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee ( IBC) and perform risk assessments for all biological agents and procedures described.
• Presents risk assessments and recommended risk mitigations to the IBC for all protocols requiring review by the committee during convened meetings.
• Reviews protocols for compliance with CC policy and procedures, and all Federal and state regulations that apply to the work
• Reviews grant awards to ensure that the activities described in funded awards, which include the use of biohazardous materials, have been reviewed and approved, as appropriate, by the IBC, prior to initiation
• Ensures the facilities identified on the submissions are appropriate for the work

Training and Outreach

• Conducts orientations for students, researchers, faculty, and staff, regarding the use of biohazardous materials
• Provides biological shipping and receiving training and support to research staff
• Develops presentations and other biosafety training materials, including hands-on training on using a biosafety cabinet and other biosafety techniques
• Schedules and facilitating training sessions on risk management
• Maintains an up-to-date website
• Provides advice and guidance to researchers completing IBC applications

• Provides advice and guidance regarding biosafety, biosecurity, and waste management to research staff
• Establishes collaborative working relationships with various other groups within the Institute to ensure the highest quality service to internal and external business partners.
• Collaboratively works with the facilities department and outside contractors to schedule repairs and preventative maintenance for safety and containment of equipment and laboratory mechanical systems
• Develops/reviews laboratory safety manuals, SOPs, and other biosafety policies and procedures
• Develops emergency response plans and conducts drills and emergency response and spill response clean-up and training

Regulatory Compliance, Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintains paper and electronic office files, including record retention files related to job activities.
• Reviews and maintains a current understanding of all federal regulations and the institutional policies set by Cleveland Clinic, IBC, and the RO/BSO for all research involving biohazardous agents.
• Assists in the preparation of correspondence and reports to the RO/BSO for the IBC, Institutional Officials, research community, and federal agencies
• Assists the BSO/Biosafety Program Manager in the investigation of incidents involving the use of biohazardous agents.
• Assists the BSO in the development and annual review and revision of Biosafety Office SOPs.

Education: BS Life Science Jobs

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Occupational Heath, Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in Biomedical Science or related field preferred

Certifications: BS Life Science Jobs

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and personal transportation.

Competencies (Complexity of Work):

• Familiar with the most current editions of the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic DNA Molecules, the Centers for Disease Control / National Institute of Health Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and Select Agent Regulations World Health Organization Biosafety Manual 2020,
• Knowledge of best research practices for handling biological agents and toxins
• Knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and occupational hazards found in A/BSL-2 and A/BSL-3 laboratories
• Knowledge of physical and operational security measures to ensure a compliant biosecurity program for infectious agents and toxins
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs
• Extensive experience with biological safety and select agent research beyond degree requirements
• Registered Biosafety Professional or eligibility to obtain certification as a Biological Safety Professional
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to provide lecture-based and hands-on training to others
• Ability to effectively communicate compliance requirements to research staff
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Work Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in a research, healthcare, or safety field including two years of relevant experience serving as a biosafety professional, biological lab scientist, or technician and 1 year of experience involving the application of federal or state biosafety regulatory standards

Physical Requirements: BS Life Science Jobs

• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.
• Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds.
• It may require extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
• Ability to work in Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time.

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