Department Code
31073-0050
Department
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Job Title
BioSafety Manager
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
The Biosafety Manager is a technical and programmatic leader within Environmental Health & Safety Services (EHSS), responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the University’s biosafety program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. This role serves as the designated Institutional Biosafety Officer under NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and is the primary point of contact for biosafety compliance, regulatory liaison, and biological risk assessment.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Lab Safety within Emergency and Environmental Risk Services, this position oversees all aspects of the biosafety program and supports broader laboratory and research safety, including chemical, radiation, laser, and physical hazards. The role works closely with principal investigators, researchers, and governance bodies to advance a culture of safety and compliance across the research enterprise.
The position maintains required institutional designations for research involving biological materials, including recombinant DNA, select agents, and dual-use research of concern (DURC), and serves as liaison to regulatory agencies such as the CDC, NIH, USDA/APHIS, and NYS DOH.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, bioengineering, chemistry or a related discipline.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in biosafety and other general health and safety disciplines, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
- 5+ years of experience in an academic or research environment and/or laboratory safety management experience in an organization with diverse research and development activities, preferred.
- Knowledge and skill working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques.
- Working knowledge of biological safety standards such as the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, and the NIH Guidelines for Research
Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledge and experience working with infectious agents, cell culture, and recombinant DNA techniques; Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) preferred.
- Working knowledge of biological safety standards, including the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and NIH Guidelines.
- Functional understanding of research laboratory operations, including chemical, biological, radiological, and physical processes and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs, comfortable with public speaking.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex risks to individuals and groups.
- Strong written, analytical, and organizational skills, with experience preparing reports and interpreting data.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to take on a leadership role within EHSS.
- Ability to work independently in a complex, decentralized environment.
- Valid NYS driver’s license meeting University requirements.
- Medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and participate in hazardous materials response and investigations, including after-hours as needed.
- Current HAZWOPER certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biosafety program ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines, and policies.
- Create procedures, guidance, and training materials to support safe, compliant research involving biohazardous materials.
- Review applications for biohazardous material use; engage investigators to understand proposed activities, assess risks, identify appropriate safety controls, and develop recommendations for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).
- Coordinate IBC operations, including agendas, presentations, meeting facilitation, and minutes.
- Maintain committee membership and ensure annual registration updates with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Serve as the University’s designated Institutional Biosafety Officer under NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, maintaining required registrations and ensuring ongoing federal compliance.
- Support compliance with NIH Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) Policy and applicable select agent regulations (42 CFR Part 73; 7 CFR Part 331).
- Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies including CDC, NIH, USDA/APHIS, and NYS DOH interpreting requirements and communicating expectations to researchers and institutional stakeholders.
Laboratory Inspections:
- Conduct routine laboratory inspections to assess biosafety, chemical, radiation, and general lab safety.
- Develop standardized checklists to ensure consistent, comprehensive evaluations.
- Engage faculty to review findings, identify corrective actions, and promote compliance.
- Document inspections in the laboratory management system, track completion of corrective actions, and analyze/report trends and metrics.
Risk Assessments:
-
Perform risk assessments of biohazardous and other hazardous materials, processes, equipment, and activities in research labs. Collaborate with researchers to understand operations and identify, communicate, and implement strategies to control hazards and minimize risk.
Research Grant Hazard Reviews:
- Support the research grant review and approval process by evaluating hazards identified in proposals.
- Confirm that appropriate facilities, permits, committee approvals, and competencies are in place.
- Provide recommendations, concerns, and approval considerations to the Office of Research.
Training:
- Develop and deliver biosafety and general laboratory safety training for faculty, staff, and students.
- Prepare training materials for in-person and online presentations and maintain training records in the University’s learning management system.
- Technical Guidance: Provide expert advice on biosafety issues and safe laboratory practices.
- Prepare guidance documents and standard operating procedures for the researcher.
- Support campus planning, design, and construction in laboratory planning and designs to ensure safety needs and standards are considered and addressed.
- Service in a leadership role in the EHS department.
- Oversee interns and provide guidance and support to junior staff members and technicians.
- Support special research safety projects and initiatives and participate in departmental planning and long-term strategy development.
- Develop and implement emergency response procedures for biohazard incidents. Participate in incident response.
- Investigate laboratory accidents and incidents to determine causes and implement corrective actions.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
