Because you can experience
a more meaningful career

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.  

As an Assistant Biosafety Officer, you will evaluate facilities for appropriate laboratory design and review laboratory safety practices and documentation to determine compliance with the most current editions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic DNA Molecules and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). In this role, you will review incoming submissions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and perform risk assessments for all biological agents and procedures described. You will train the research community on methods of applying and interpreting biosafety regulations and guidelines, provide training, consulting, and monitoring of research involving biohazardous materials and toxins, and maintain regulatory compliance data while assisting in compliance review.

A caregiver in this role works days from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

Lab Inspections

• Evaluate facilities for appropriate laboratory design.

• Review facilities and laboratory safety practices and documentation to determine compliance with the most current editions of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant and Synthetic DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL).

• Conduct post-approval monitoring for Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approved studies.

• Prepare laboratory inspection reports.

• Support researchers to obtain permits, MTAs, or approvals to obtain or transfer human or animal biological materials or toxins

• Enter inspection data into databases.

• Communicate all deficiencies to the Responsible Official/Biological Safety Officer/ Institutional Biosafety Committee (RO/BSO/IBC) and to the Principal Investigators and laboratory research staff.

• Evaluate the security and control measures for valuable biological material to prevent a theft loss or release.

IBC Application Review and Risk Assessment

• Review incoming submissions to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and perform risk assessments for all biological agents and procedures described.

• Present risk assessments and recommended risk mitigations to the IBC for all protocols requiring review by the committee during convened meetings.

• Review protocols for compliance with CC policy and procedures, and all Federal and State regulations that apply to the work.

• Review grant awards to ensure that the activities described in funded awards, which include the use of biohazardous materials, have been reviewed and approved, as appropriate, by the IBC, prior to initiation.

• Ensure the facilities identified on the submissions are appropriate for the work.

Training and Outreach

• Conduct orientations for students, researchers, faculty and staff, regarding use of biohazardous materials.

• Provide biological shipping and receiving training and support to research staff.

• Develop presentations and other biosafety training materials, including hands-on training on using a biosafety cabinet and other biosafety techniques.

• Schedule and facilitate training sessions on biorisk management.

• Maintain an up-to-date website.

• Provide advice and guidance to researchers completing IBC applications.

• Provide advice and guidance regarding biosafety, biosecurity and waste management to research staff.

• Establish collaborative working relationships with a variety of other groups within the Institute to ensure the highest quality service to internal and external business partners.

• Collaboratively work with the facilities department and outside contractors to schedule repairs and preventative maintenance for safety and containment of equipment and laboratory mechanical systems.

• Develop/review laboratory safety manuals, SOPs, and other biosafety policies and procedures.

• Develop emergency response plans and conduct drills and emergency response and spill response clean-up and training.

Regulatory Compliance, Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain paper and electronic office files, including record retention files related to job activities.

• Review and maintain a current understanding of all federal regulations as well as the institutional policies set by Cleveland Clinic, IBC and the RO/BSO for all research involving biohazardous agents.

• Assist in the preparation of correspondence and reports to the RO/BSO for the IBC, Institutional Officials, research community, and federal agencies.

• Assist the BSO/Biosafety Program Manager in the investigation of incidents involving the use of biohazardous agents.

• Assist the BSO in the development and annual review and revision of Biosafety Office SOPs.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Occupational Heath, Biomedical Science or equivalent

• Three years of experience in a research, healthcare, or safety field including two years of relevant experience serving as a biosafety professional, biological lab scientist or technician and one year of experience involving the application of federal or state biosafety regulatory standards

• Possess a valid driver's license and personal transportation

• Familiar with the most current editions of the National Institute of Health Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic DNA Molecules, the Centers for Disease Control / National Institute of Health Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), and Select Agent Regulations World Health Organization Biosafety Manual 2020

• Knowledge of best research practices for handling biological agents and toxins

• Knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological and occupational hazards found in A/BSL-2 and A/BSL-3 laboratories

• Knowledge of physical and operational security measures to ensure a compliant biosecurity program for infectious agents and toxins

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs

• Extensive experience with biological safety and select agent research beyond degree requirements

• Registered Biosafety Professional or eligibility to obtain certification as Biological Safety Professional

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs

• Ability to provide lecture based and hands-on training to others

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:   

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in Biomedical Science or related field

• Scientific/ Research background

• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite)

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.

• Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds.

• May require extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

• Ability to work in Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time.