Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Biosafety Officer (ABSO) – Stanford University
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at Stanford University seeks an Assistant Biosafety Officer to support the institutional biosafety programs and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The ABSO will supervise a team of biosafety specialists, oversee program development, and maintain compliance with regulations while fostering collaborative relationships with faculty, researchers, and external partners.
In This Role, You Will
Develop, implement, and oversee biosafety programs; interpret policies as they apply to environmental, health, and safety practices.
Serve as a subject‑matter expert in one or more areas of environmental, health, and safety specialization; lead technical meetings; represent assigned area and/or specialty in meetings and interact with internal and external customers.
Directly supervise and provide guidance and development to individual contributors, including contractors and matrixed staff external to the organization.
Develop training programs and effective communication strategies around biosafety protocols and practices using modern engagement methods.
Ensure programs and practices are in compliance with the appropriate statutes and regulations and environmental, health, and safety requirements are met.
Investigate and resolve problems, questions or complaints received from within the organization, customers, government regulatory agencies, etc.
Ensure environmental, health, and safety inspections are conducted, corrective actions are completed on time, and all necessary documentation is maintained.
Develop, maintain, audit, and evaluate current policies, procedures, and documentation for regulatory compliance and continuous improvement; may represent the university as a designated safety officer when mandated by regulatory requirements.
Additional Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight and Development: serve as a member of designated research compliance committees; facilitate risk assessment and registration application processes for rDNA, prion‑like proteins, and biological agent protocols.
Utilize data metrics to recommend corrective actions and continuous enhancements to biosafety programs.
Conduct audits and assessments to maintain compliance with statutes and regulations relating to biosafety.
Investigate and address issues or complaints from the university community and external or regulatory agencies.
Support compliance programs including bloodborne pathogens, aerosol‑transmissible diseases, high‑containment research, specialized laboratory facility design and review, and compliant operation of specialized biocontainment facilities.
Build Relationships and Increase Collaboration: supervise and mentor biosafety specialists and support staff, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
Represent the Biosafety Office in interdepartmental and external engagements.
Collaborate with various stakeholders—Dean of Research, university safety partners—to engage the university community in biosafety efforts.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in arts/science in a related allied/scientific field and five years of progressively responsible experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience); advanced degree and/or certifications may be required for some programs.
To Be Successful In This Position, You Will Bring
Proven ability to manage biosafety programs and lead staff effectively in a professional service environment.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing health and safety, especially biosafety practices.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations to ensure environmental, health, and safety program compliance.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for building collaborative relationships both inside and outside the organization.
A proactive approach to problem‑solving and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Demonstrated ability to conduct or assist with environmental health and safety risk assessments, determine appropriate mitigation steps, and undertake crisis management when needed.
Ability to lead professionally, be on call, and respond to emergency/crisis situations.
Preferred Requirements Include
Strong understanding of occupational and public health and safety principles, with experience in program and process development.
Proficiency in organizational communications techniques, including group facilitation and digital engagement strategies.
Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
Experience with effective implementation of health and safety‑related operational programs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and clearly, and to deliver engaging health and safety training content.
Certifications and Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand, sit, and perform desk‑based computer tasks.
Occasionally use a telephone; write by hand.
Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach/work above shoulder, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully; sort and file paperwork; operate foot and/or hand controls; carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
Ability to drive day or night.
Working Conditions
Must wear personal protective equipment as required by job assignments.
May rarely be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80 dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, or heavy metals.
May occasionally need to traverse uneven surfaces and may rarely work in confined spaces or heights greater than 10 feet.
Work Standards
Must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements when conducting university business.
Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
Promotes a culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility, values safety, communicates safety concerns, and uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable university policies and procedures, including personnel policies and other policies in the Administrative Guide.
Benefits
Career development programs, tuition reimbursement or course audit, and access to TedTalks, film screenings, and global speaker events.
Comprehensive retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
Health and fitness benefits, including access to world‑class exercise facilities.
Unique perks such as free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, historic campus tours, and more.
The salary range for this position is $159,773 to $165,000 per annum. Benefits and a comprehensive rewards package are detailed on the Stanford “Cardinal at Work” website.
•
Stanford is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
•
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a
contact form .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
In This Role, You Will
Develop, implement, and oversee biosafety programs; interpret policies as they apply to environmental, health, and safety practices.
Serve as a subject‑matter expert in one or more areas of environmental, health, and safety specialization; lead technical meetings; represent assigned area and/or specialty in meetings and interact with internal and external customers.
Directly supervise and provide guidance and development to individual contributors, including contractors and matrixed staff external to the organization.
Develop training programs and effective communication strategies around biosafety protocols and practices using modern engagement methods.
Ensure programs and practices are in compliance with the appropriate statutes and regulations and environmental, health, and safety requirements are met.
Investigate and resolve problems, questions or complaints received from within the organization, customers, government regulatory agencies, etc.
Ensure environmental, health, and safety inspections are conducted, corrective actions are completed on time, and all necessary documentation is maintained.
Develop, maintain, audit, and evaluate current policies, procedures, and documentation for regulatory compliance and continuous improvement; may represent the university as a designated safety officer when mandated by regulatory requirements.
Additional Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight and Development: serve as a member of designated research compliance committees; facilitate risk assessment and registration application processes for rDNA, prion‑like proteins, and biological agent protocols.
Utilize data metrics to recommend corrective actions and continuous enhancements to biosafety programs.
Conduct audits and assessments to maintain compliance with statutes and regulations relating to biosafety.
Investigate and address issues or complaints from the university community and external or regulatory agencies.
Support compliance programs including bloodborne pathogens, aerosol‑transmissible diseases, high‑containment research, specialized laboratory facility design and review, and compliant operation of specialized biocontainment facilities.
Build Relationships and Increase Collaboration: supervise and mentor biosafety specialists and support staff, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
Represent the Biosafety Office in interdepartmental and external engagements.
Collaborate with various stakeholders—Dean of Research, university safety partners—to engage the university community in biosafety efforts.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in arts/science in a related allied/scientific field and five years of progressively responsible experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience); advanced degree and/or certifications may be required for some programs.
To Be Successful In This Position, You Will Bring
Proven ability to manage biosafety programs and lead staff effectively in a professional service environment.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing health and safety, especially biosafety practices.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations to ensure environmental, health, and safety program compliance.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for building collaborative relationships both inside and outside the organization.
A proactive approach to problem‑solving and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Demonstrated ability to conduct or assist with environmental health and safety risk assessments, determine appropriate mitigation steps, and undertake crisis management when needed.
Ability to lead professionally, be on call, and respond to emergency/crisis situations.
Preferred Requirements Include
Strong understanding of occupational and public health and safety principles, with experience in program and process development.
Proficiency in organizational communications techniques, including group facilitation and digital engagement strategies.
Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
Experience with effective implementation of health and safety‑related operational programs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and clearly, and to deliver engaging health and safety training content.
Certifications and Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand, sit, and perform desk‑based computer tasks.
Occasionally use a telephone; write by hand.
Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach/work above shoulder, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully; sort and file paperwork; operate foot and/or hand controls; carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
Ability to drive day or night.
Working Conditions
Must wear personal protective equipment as required by job assignments.
May rarely be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise > 80 dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, or heavy metals.
May occasionally need to traverse uneven surfaces and may rarely work in confined spaces or heights greater than 10 feet.
Work Standards
Must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements when conducting university business.
Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
Promotes a culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility, values safety, communicates safety concerns, and uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable university policies and procedures, including personnel policies and other policies in the Administrative Guide.
Benefits
Career development programs, tuition reimbursement or course audit, and access to TedTalks, film screenings, and global speaker events.
Comprehensive retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
Health and fitness benefits, including access to world‑class exercise facilities.
Unique perks such as free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, historic campus tours, and more.
The salary range for this position is $159,773 to $165,000 per annum. Benefits and a comprehensive rewards package are detailed on the Stanford “Cardinal at Work” website.
•
Stanford is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
•
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a
contact form .
#J-18808-Ljbffr