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EH&S Specialist I - Biosafety
Job Number: 2024-46364
Category: Environmental Health & Safety
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: School - Environmental Hlth & Safety - W800800
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Grade: 41
Union Code: Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: July 6, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY: 

For this position, the incumbents primary assignment will be with the EH&S Biological Safety Team. The incumbent must have a basic knowledge or experience of bloodborne pathogens, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids, biological agents, shipping and import/transport permits, biohazardous materials and medical waste, accident/incident investigations, reporting and record keeping, risk assessments, support, and recordkeeping for Biological Safety Level 1 – 3 laboratories. Able to undergo and receive approval for access to select agents: a Security Risk Assessment by the Criminal Justice Informational System to obtain FBI/CDC clearance, and an internal Suitability Assessment.

The EH&S Specialist will work independently and as part of a team to prioritize multiple projects. These tasks will require the employee to work at multiple locations serviced by the UMass Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) EH&S Department, including UMass Chan and UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Assist with inspections, evaluations, surveillance surveys and audits of labs, patient care areas and construction areas
  • Assist with risk assessments, incident, and injury investigations
  • Support the creation and preparation of checklists for compliance inspections
  • Conduct inventory of safety supplies and par levels
  • Assist with biological waste and sharps collection and disposal
  • Assist with response to urgent/emergent calls, questions or requests of lower acuity incidents
  • Assist with data collection, research, and investigation of regulatory concern
  • File and maintain records and documentation (i.e. training records, waste manifests, SDS, safety, equipment, certifications, inspection reports)
  • Perform or assist with inventory of biosafety cabinets and scheduling of certifications, decontaminations and repairs
  • Assist with conducting drills and exercises
  • Participate in testing emergency eyewash and safety showers
  • Conduct respiratory fit testing
  • Assist with conducting EH&S training
  • Participate in the EH&S nights, weekends, holiday and off-hours on-call program
  • May participate on the EH&S Emergency Response Team (will require wearing full face respirator)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

  • Bachelors Level Degree, or equivalent, in: microbiology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, cell biology, or related field

Experience

  • Zero to two years of working experience in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, cell biology, or related field

Certifications

  • Ability to undergo and receive approval for access to select agents including a Security Risk Assessment by the Criminal Justice Informational System to obtain FBI/CDC clearance, and an internal Suitability Assessment
  • Ability to become certified as OSHA 40-hour Hazwoper Emergency Responder and wear a full-face respirator
  • Ability to become certified by DOT for manifest signing

Drivers License

  • Must have a valid drivers license and a vehicle or the ability to travel to off-site locations and respond to matters of urgency

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Internship in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, cell biology, or related field

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UMass Chan Medical School was among 23 companies that stood out as 2023 “DEI champions,” according to The Boston Globe.   


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