Associate Director, Institutional Biosafety
SEARCH EXTENDED UNTIL 9/27/2024
Hiring Department: OVCR Office of Animal Care & Institutional Biosafety
Location: Chicago, IL
Requisition ID: 1026962
Posting Close Date: August 30, 2024
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university.
The Associate Director for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) in the Office of Animal Care & Institutional Biosafety in OVCR plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing research involving biohazardous materials. Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director oversees the operations of the IBC, providing leadership in the review and approval process of research protocols, monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of safety and ethical conduct in biological research activities across the university.
Description:
Leadership and Oversight:
- Manage meeting operations of the IBC, including agendas, protocol pre-reviews and reports, minutes, IBC letters, and protocol approvals.
- Provide guidance and support to IBC members, Principal Investigators (PIs), and research staff on protocol review and expectations, regulatory requirements, and best practices in biosafety.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional policies related to biosafety and biosecurity.
- Conduct periodic audits and assessments to evaluate compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Protocol Review and Approval:
- Conduct regulatory reviews for research protocols involving recombinant/synthetic NA, infectious agents and other biohazardous materials.
- Facilitate timely approval of protocols, ensuring thorough risk assessment and compliance with safety protocols.
Training and Education:
- Assist with the development of training programs on biosafety practices, policies, and procedures for researchers, laboratory personnel, and IBC members.
- Promote awareness of biosafety regulations and cultivate a culture of safety and responsibility in biological research.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with other institutional committees, departments, and external agencies on matters related to biosafety and biosecurity.
- Serve as a liaison between the IBC, research community, and regulatory bodies to ensure effective communication and resolution of issues.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of IBC activities, including meeting minutes, protocol reviews, and compliance documentation.
- Prepare reports for institutional leadership, funding agencies, and regulatory authorities as required.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a Master's degree in biological sciences, bioengineering, public health, or a related field. PhD preferred.
- At least 3 years of experience in research compliance, biosafety or related fields within a higher education or research institution. Prior experience with IBC operations strongly preferred.
- Certification in biosafety (e.g., CBSP, RBP) preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., NIH Guidelines, CDC, DURC/PEPP, OSHA) and best practices in biosafety.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
To apply, visit this link.
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