Job Details

Biosafety Specialist

Position Number: 7275236
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Biosafety Specialist

Job Summary

The Biosafety Specialist, is an integral member of the University of Utah Biosafety Team, supporting the safe conduct of cutting-edge research involving biological agents and helping protect the University community. This role involves collaboration with researchers, faculty, and institutional partners to implement and oversee biosafety programs. The position offers a diverse mix of responsibilities, including supporting Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) operations, conducting laboratory inspections, developing training and educational materials, and contributing to policies and resources in an evolving regulatory landscape. This role provides opportunities to build expertise in biosafety, regulatory compliance, and research oversight within a dynamic academic environment.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Inspect research laboratories for compliance with regulations and guidelines related to the use, handling, and disposal of biohazardous agents. Track deficiencies and provide guidance on corrective actions.
Contribute to the administration of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), including compiling and reviewing registration materials, communicating with Principal Investigators and committee members, and generating documentation (e.g., memos, approval letters, expiration notices).
Support the transition to a new biosafety office registration software system and contribute to improving the efficiency of IBC registration processes.
Contribute to the development of virtual training modules related to OSHA-required blood-borne pathogen exposure control, BSL-2, BSL-3, ABSL-2, and ABSL-3 programs, and IBC registration processes for faculty, staff, and others working with or potentially exposed to biological agents.
Participate in the development and ongoing revision of institutional biosafety guidance documents to align with evolving federal, local, and institutional regulations and policies.
Assist research laboratories with risk assessments involving biological agents and provide guidance on biosafety practices and regulatory compliance.
Contribute to biosafety outreach efforts, including in-person engagement, development of educational/marketing materials, and maintenance of web-based resources.
Monitor and triage the Biosafety office email inbox, providing accurate information and ensuring efficient routing of inquiries to subject-matter experts.
Support coordination with related compliance areas, including human participant research and animal research programs.
Assist in responses to incidents involving biohazardous materials, including spills and other emergencies.
Cross-train in additional Biosafety Office functions to support operational resilience.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the department's mission.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, IV: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field strongly preferred.
Four or more years of experience in biosafety, research laboratory work involving biological agents, or a related field; experience at BSL-2 or higher preferred, with BSL-3 experience considered a plus. Additional education in a relevant discipline may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Experience with IBC processes, either as a committee member, administrator, or submitter of IBC registrations, strongly preferred.
Strong written and verbal professional communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
High level of attention to detail, organization, adaptability, and initiative.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously.
Proficiency with standard office software and ability to learn specialized systems.
Ability to develop and deliver effective educational and training materials; experience using AI tools for content development is a plus.
Working knowledge of biosafety principles and familiarity with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students across the university community.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45491B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F, 8am-5pm
Department: 00472 - Environmental Health & Safety
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $32,904-$80,000
Close Date: 7/6/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204327