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When you join the UMass Chan Medical School team, you join us in advancing together to improve the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the US and the world. Together, we lead in education, research, health care delivery, and public service. Your life’s work is more than a career. It’s an expression of your passion, intellect, skill, and drive. UMass Chan's commitment to excellence, innovation, competitive benefits, and work-life integration will allow you to build a professionally rewarding career as we work together to better or improve the health of people around the globe.

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
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

Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.