Biocontainment Laboratory Senior Coordinator

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Global Health Research Complex (GHRC) at Texas A&M University is a brand new state-of-the-art biocontainment research facility that will improve animal and human health within the State of Texas, across the United States, and around the globe. The GHRC supports and advances multi-disciplinary large animal and insect vector research, education, and training opportunities for faculty at Texas A&M and their partners from other academic institutions and industry. To learn more, visit https://ghrc.tamu.edu/.

What We Want

The Biocontainment Laboratory Senior Coordinator, under general direction, is responsible for coordinating and implementing non-research and research activities in biocontainment suites, conducting area decontamination, conducting safety drills, maintaining accurate records, and providing training while coordinating waste management within biocontainment laboratories.

What You Need To Know

Salary: $65,000

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Education

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Five years of related experience within BSL-2, BSL-3, ACL-3, and/or BSL3-Ag environments.

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Record keeping

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local biosafety regulations, standards, and guidelines

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• A comprehensive understanding of requirements for proper biological laboratory operation

• Ability to enter BSL-2, ACL-2, BSL-3, and ACL-3 laboratories to perform assigned duties.

• Ability to enter ABSL-2, ABSL-3, and BSL3-Ag animal rooms and support spaces

• Ability to respond to emergency calls during off duty hours.

• Ability to complete internal Biological Safety training within 45 days of employment. Continued employment contingent on the successful completion of said training as determined by the Responsible Official and/or Biological Safety Officer and a favorable FBI Security Risk Assessment, as required to enter Select Agent laboratories.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in and supporting BSL-3 laboratory/environment

• Previous experience working in and supporting BSL3-Ag facilities

• Previous experience working in and supporting ACL-3 laboratory/environment

• Prior experience in an animal research facility.

• Deep understanding of biocontainment protocols

• Previous or current participation in the Federal Select Agent Program

• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Responsibilities

• Laboratory and Animal Containment Operations- Coordinates and implements processes to ensure efficient running of non-research or research-related activities within the biocontainment suites, including waste removal, autoclaving waste, laundering scrubs, testing emergency equipment, maintaining general lab cleanliness (cleaning counters, sweeping, mopping), checking and restocking PPE, and organizing containment spaces as necessary. Assists with animal and laboratory inventories and ordering, checking expiration dates, and conducting periodic audits of inventories. Coordinates, schedules, and performs large-scale decontamination of labs using hydrogen peroxide vapor or other whole-room decontaminants. Assists with preventive maintenance and annual reverification of biocontainment areas. Assists in liaising with TAMU Biosafety and EHS for annual inspections, and addressing findings as needed.

• Training Design, Planning, and Implementation- Assists with drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of biosafety, security, and incident response plans, assists with detailed reports, and makes suggestions regarding program improvements based on drill results. Coordinates and provides biosafety, security, and operations training of research and support staff within the BSL-3 laboratories or BSL3-Ag animal rooms/support spaces, including hands-on training on entry and exit procedures; care and use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), autoclaves, and biological safety cabinets; proper record-keeping procedures, etc.

• Policy and Procedure Support- Provides input and guidance on the development of policies and procedures for the operation and maintenance of biocontainment laboratories. Assist with developing and implementing SOPs and other activities as assigned by leadership, and performing routine review of SOPs.

Other Requirements and Factors

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

• This position is security sensitive.

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.

Export Control

• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends

• This job has a potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposures and requires the ability to work under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise). Medical evaluation is required at least annually, and full participation in a medical clearance program is required, which includes blood testing and possibly vaccinations. May be required to take several showers each day, is required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Why Texas A&M University? 

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more 

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time  for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.