Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) is seeking a Biological Safety Officer who can be part of a dynamic and rapidly growing organization. The candidate will oversee the biosafety program, ensure compliance with applicable rules and requirements, and use data to develop corrective and preventative practices and procedures related to biosafety. In addition, the candidate will serve as an expert resource and the implementation, management, and improvement of the Select Agent Program.

As one of the worlds largest and busiest health centers, Cleveland Clinic is committed to delivering high quality programs of patient care, research, and education. Cleveland Clinics Lerner Research Institute (LRI) researchers are at the forefront of biological discovery with research related to cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, brain and eye diseases, and diseases of inflammation and immune systems. With more than 1,500 researchers and support personnel in 190 laboratories across 11 departments and multiple centers, the Lerner Research Institute is one of the largest research institutes in the nation, consistently ranking in the top 10 in National Institutes of Health funding, a benchmark of research success.

Additionally, the Lerner Research Institute has recently opened Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) which is dedicated to the discovery and advancement of innovative translational research, focused on immuno-oncology and infectious diseases. The building is 3 floors with approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of dedicated research and support spaces. The FRIC is developing state of the art Shared Resource Laboratories in Flow Cytometry, Imaging, Bioinformatics, Select Agents and a Vivarium.

As a Biological Safety Officer, your responsibilities will be to:

Develop, implement, and direct a comprehensive biosafety program for the health system

Ensure organizational compliance with regulatory and sponsor requirements associated with biosafety

Supervise Cleveland Clinic biosafety professionals

Serve as a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and assist the IBC Chair by interacting with investigators whose work is under review by committee, reviewing research protocols to ensure adequate biosafety measures are included, providing guidance to IBC on containment issues, implementing IBC-approved policies and plans, and providing administrative support

Maintain in-depth knowledge of biosafety principles and best practices and serve as a resource on related federal and state regulations

Provide technical guidance to caregivers regarding equipment, facilities and work practices for protection of personnel, laboratories and environment from biological hazards

Review experimental design, study protocols, procedures, and conduct risk assessments for research grant applications, material transfer agreements, research contracts, and research activities involving biohazardous agents and materials. These agents and materials may include recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid (rsNA), infectious agents, toxins, human-derived and nonhuman primate-derived materials, and human gene transfer clinical trials to ensure safe practices in support of the health systems IBC, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Ensure facility compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to use, handling, shipping, and disposal of potential biohazards and rsNA

Investigate accidents in regards to Biosafety issues and develop corrective action plans

Assist with investigations and reporting of non-compliance

Develop and implement emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials

Qualifications Education

A Master of Science or Ph.D. in biological science (i.e., microbiology, bacteriology, virology etc.) or related field

Work Experience

Minimum 5 years experience in a biomedical research laboratory or related combination of education and experience. Experience in microbiology research is preferred.

Minimum 5 years experience in the field of biological safety in a biomedical research facility

Knowledge of NIH Guidelines, NIH/CDC BMBL guidelines, USG Policy for DURC, import and export programs (e.g. CDC IPP, APHIS, Bureau of Industry and Security), OSHA, and granting agency requirements

Experience working in or supervising BSL-3 containment research

Experience working with select agents or managing select agent research is preferred

Certifications

Certification or eligibility for certification by American Biosafety Association (ABSA) as a Registered Biosafety Professional or Certified Biological Safety Professional is preferred

Other requirements

Must achieve Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval for working with select agents

Must obtain/maintain annual medical clearance through Cleveland Clinics Occupational Health Department to work in a BSL-3 Environment

Interested candidates, please submit CV and cover letter with your application.