Associate Biosafety Officer

Company:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Location:

Boston, MA, 02298

Posted:

June 15, 2024

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Description:

Job ID: 38557

Location: 450 Brookline Ave,

Boston,

MA 02215

Category: Operations

Employment Type: Full time

Work Location: Onsite: 4-5 days onsite/week

Overview

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Biosafety, this individual maintains the integrity of the DFCI Biosafety and Export Controls Compliance Programs. This includes administration of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and developing Biosecurity initiatives. In addition, they will identify and manage projects, such as improving the iRIS- IBC Biosafety module, managing educational programs, overseeing content and implementing postings on the Internal Websites related to biosafety and the IBC; and assisting in policy and SOP development, implementation, and obtaining approvals by senior management. This individual is responsible for developing and maintaining biosafety compliance databases and files to support these operations, and performs other duties as requested by the Director of Biosafety. Finally, they will be responsible for effective communication, continuity, and compliance with federal, state, and local environmental health and safety regulations as well as compliance requirements for biosafety (NIH OBA, CDC/APHIS, and other sponsoring agency requirements) across DFCI.

Establishes procedures, plans, databases, and filing systems to ensure appropriate compliance record-keeping and smooth operation of the office.

Develops risk assessments for various experiments to meet biological containment requirements.

Capable of learning and using computer databases and systems managed by DFCI (i.e., Insight, Healthstream, Peoplesoft, etc.) and external entities (i.e., NIH Registration Management System, DFCI IRIS, etc.)

Manages administrative responsibilities for the IBC including logistical arrangements for monthly, ad hoc, and subcommittee meetings, drafts meeting minutes, assists in the identification of new committee members, and coordinates scientific reviews of registrations by scientific committee members.

Tracks and verifies compliance status of biosafety registrations in IRIS; reviews and approves administrative transactions and triages biosafety workflows to identify scientific transactions requiring full-committee review or Director of Biosafety approval. Prepares reviews of low-risk scientific amendments for Director of Biosafety approval.

Manages the DFCI Biosafety Training and Education Programs offered by the IBC Office by developing compliance plans and initiating/assisting in the development, review of materials, distribution/execution of annual, ad hoc, and Biosafety trainings, and escalation of non-compliance.

Manages the DFCI Biosafety Communications Program by identifying topics relevant to investigators with biosafety protocols such as upcoming modifications to the eIBC and any regulatory and DFCI policy updates, training requirements, resources and guidance, and those requested by the Director of Biosafety. Responsible for writing communications and distributing them to relevant parties.

Works with DFCI Research Applications on Iris system maintenance, functionality, upgrades, user audits, and all other activities necessary to maintain IBC data and smooth operations of IBC activities.

Responsible for submitting, and collecting required materials for, annual reports to the NIH and Cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Belmont. Initiates and ensures payment for annual laboratory permits.

Works with other research compliance content owners to keep content current through audits & reviews.

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Biosafety.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., life sciences, allied health fields, or safety fields) preferred.

One to two years of biological laboratory, biosafety, and/or research compliance experience required.

Knowledge of Microsoft applications required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate, negotiate, and collaborate with cross functional teams such as Research Leadership, PIs, and staff of different skill sets and backgrounds at all levels within and external to DFCI.

Proficient in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Adobe and the ability to learn and use computer databases and systems managed by DFCI (i.e., Insight, HealthStream, Peoplesoft, etc.) and external entities (i.e., NIH Registration Management System, DFCI IRIS, etc., and the Boston Public Health Commission permits.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively conduct meetings, both formal and informal. Poised and self-possessed when speaking in front of groups, representing the office, and interacting with faculty one-on-one and in small groups.

Strong customer service orientation and the ability to assess customer's needs and provide solutions.

Ability to interpret microbiological environmental monitoring results in terms of risk assessment and regulatory compliance.

Strong ability to learn quickly, analyze, and problem solve based on scientific literature or other data.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and with integrity.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities often under time pressures.

Strong attention to detail as well as ability to accurately prioritize workflows.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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