Biosafety Specialist I/II

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Position Title:

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Biology/Molecular/Microbiology,Plant Pathology, Occupational Safety/Health, Health Physics, or related field.
Technical training covering CDC, USDA, NIH, OSHA, EPA, NFPA or related workplace regulations, guidelines and standards.
Experience developing and administering safety training.
Demonstrated experience working within a laboratory environment.
Experience with spreadsheets and relational databases.
Experience working at a college, university or research institution.

Job Description:

Summary

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is currently seeking qualified applicants for a Biosafety Specialist I/II position. EH&S is an employing unit which reports to the Office of University Counsel at Iowa State University (ISU). EH&S is committed to its mission of preventing illness and injury, protecting the environment and connecting the university to the message of safety and preparedness. EH&S delivers effective education, fosters beneficial partnerships, maintains technical expertise and provides exemplary service.

Responsibilities of this position include assisting with the coordination and planning of a comprehensive biological safety program to recognize, eliminate and control occupational health hazards and diseases in the workplace setting; investigating adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting and other conditions that may affect employee safety, health, comfort, or efficiency. These responsibilities will include direct interaction with campus biological, chemical and radiological laboratories. Further, this position will perform duties in accordance with established guidelines and associated regulations, such as OSHA compliance, CDC/NIH accident investigation and reporting, workplace safety inspections, regulatory compliance audits, fire safety inspections, shop safety inspections, and development and administration of safety training.

In addition to the above duties, the Biological Safety Specialist II will be expected to implement workplace safety and health programs through promotions and interaction with ISU research staff. The specialist at this level will also implement evidence-based and engaging training programs while assisting with database management, to include basic programming.

The successful candidate will have the ability to form positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external customers and establish professional campus and community relationships through effective written and oral communication; strong problem-solving capabilities along with the ability to work independently as well as with a team; and excellent organizational and multitasking skills to handle a variety of simultaneous duties. The candidate will also possess the ability to routinely use personal computers along with a variety of software expertise.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Example of Duties
• Assesses workplace occupational hazards by observing work conditions, assessing records, conducting interviews, and sampling and monitoring chemical or physical agents.
• Determines appropriate monitoring and sampling strategies.
• Maintains, operates, and calibrates equipment.
• Evaluates and interprets sampling results and determines corrective strategies.
• Prepares technical reports and recommendations.
• Advises and provides guidance on occupational safety and health issues.

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS809

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

April 18, 2025

Posting Close Date:

May 1, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16840

Average salary estimate

$62500 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$50000K

$75000K

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What You Should Know About Biosafety Specialist I/II, ISU

If you're passionate about contributing to workplace safety and health, then the Biosafety Specialist I/II position at Iowa State University (ISU) might be your perfect fit! In this role, you'll be immersed in a mission that promotes safety, health, and environmental protection. As part of the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) unit, you'll help coordinate and plan a comprehensive biological safety program aimed at recognizing and mitigating occupational health hazards. Your expertise will be vital as you investigate various workplace conditions, from exhaust systems to lighting, ensuring that employees thrive in a safe and comfortable environment. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate closely with biological, chemical, and radiological laboratories on campus. This position is designed for someone who’s eager to implement impactful training programs and foster positive relationships with faculty, students, and external partners. If you enjoy problem-solving and working both independently and as part of a team, the vibrant environment at ISU awaits you. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement, and your technical training in safety regulations is a plus! Join us for a fulfilling role that embraces professionalism and innovation while contributing to the well-being of the ISU community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Biosafety Specialist I/II Role at ISU

What are the responsibilities of a Biosafety Specialist I/II at Iowa State University?

The Biosafety Specialist I/II at Iowa State University is responsible for coordinating and planning biological safety programs, assessing workplace occupational hazards, conducting safety inspections, and offering guidance on health and safety issues. This role requires direct interaction with laboratories and the implementation of safety training programs.