University of Chicago - Chicago, IL
posted 4 months ago
About the position
The Director of Operations (DO) at the University of Chicago (UC) Hyde Park Campus plays a pivotal role in managing the University’s Laboratory inspection program, emergency response, and hazmat shipping program. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive laboratory hazard control program to ensure a safe environment for research and teaching laboratories. The DO provides technical guidance, training, and inspective/risk analysis of hazards and related operational issues that may arise in university laboratories operating at Biosafety Levels 1-3 (BSL_) and Animal Biosafety Level 1-3 (ABSL_). In this capacity, the DO manages a team of Laboratory Safety Specialists and collaborates closely with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the HTRL Institutional Biosafety Committee (HTRL-IBC), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Animal Resources Center, the Office of Environmental Health & Safety, Medical Center Environmental Health & Safety, UC faculty, staff, and students. This collaboration is essential for coordinating services, reviewing facilities, and providing appropriate safety training and technical support as necessary. The DO oversees all aspects of Laboratory inspections, Incident Response, and hazardous material shipping, ensuring effective communication related to the program both internally and externally with agencies such as the NIH, CDC, and USDA. Additionally, the DO is appointed as an Alternate Responsible Official for UC's Federal Select Agent Program at the Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) on the Argonne campus and leads the University of Chicago's Hyde Park emergency response team for situations involving hazardous agents and/or potentially hazardous materials.
Responsibilities
- Perform investigations, inspections and follow up to ensure compliance with local and federal governing bodies.
- Develop, deliver and update programming designed to educate, protect and ensure safety compliance across all Research Unit departments.
- Assist in the development of computer-based systems to track and document laboratory inspection outcomes, safety trainings and other necessary data points.
- Act as Biological Safety Officer for the UC and respond professionally and courteously to requests for biological safety assistance.
- Act as a biological safety technical & information resource to the University and provide guidance on biological safety related matters, making independent, on-the-spot decisions involving risk assessments, emergency response and related corrective actions.
- Conduct construction plan reviews for biosafety level two (BSL2) and biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, provide review comments in writing, and sign off on final plans.
- Conduct pre-occupancy checks for all BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and participate in their proper laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.
- Evaluate the health risks associated with research involving biological agents and their by-products, and work with university investigators and staff to implement biohazard control policies and procedures on general biosafety, select agents and toxins, biosafety cabinet use, and laboratory emergency response plans.
- Compile reports, protocol status summaries, quarterly reports, and conduct other administrative tasks as required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in laboratory safety, compliance, and risk management, preferably in an academic or research environment.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding laboratory safety and hazardous materials.
- Experience managing teams and leading safety programs in a laboratory setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, and students.
Nice-to-haves
- Advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, environmental health, or safety management.
- Certification as a Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) or similar credentials.
- Experience with emergency response planning and execution in a laboratory context.
- Familiarity with biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory operations.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Dental insurance coverage
- Vision insurance coverage
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Tuition reimbursement for further education
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible scheduling options
