Description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleBiological Safety Officer AssociateRequisition NumberRE52358Working TitleAssociate BSODepartment Name3DE50:Radiation SafetyWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level47Salary Range$57,158-94,286/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationMAClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience3 yrsRequired License/Registration/CertificationCertification eligible: Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP).Physical RequirementsRegular sitting at computer workstation for extended periods; and intermittent hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste and bloodborne/airborne pathogens.ShiftMonday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Emergencies or maintenance activities may require call/text or onsite response after hours as needed.Job SummaryThe Biological Safety Officer (BSO) Associate will work closely with the Biological Safety Officer to support and maintain the University of Kentucky’s Biosafety Program for High Containment research. This role involves developing and enforcing biosafety, biosecurity, and incident response plans, ensuring compliance with relevant protocols and regulations, and providing technical expertise and leadership in high containment procedures. The BSO Associate will also act as the Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) as needed and assume the role of Responsible Official (RO) in their absence. This position is critical in ensuring the safety and compliance of high containment research facilities and complex research involving biohazardous materials at the University of Kentucky, thereby contributing to the advancement of safe and secure research practices.Skills / Knowledge / AbilitiesMust have the ability to plan, design, and implement biosafety practices and procedures and laboratory/research safety compliance management plans and procedures. Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication (oral and written) skills. Ability to pass FBI background check and obtain CDC/USDA clearance, as required based on current research program at UK.Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceMS/PhD preferred

Emphasis in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biosafety, or infectious disease

Experience working in high containment in a research or compliance role

Certified Biosafety Professional (ABSA CBSP) or Registered Biosafety Professional (ABSA RBP) eligible https://absa.org/credentials/

Drivers’ License preferredDeadline to Apply01/17/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please select the option that best represents your number of full years paid, full-time, employment experience in biological safety; institutional biosafety community support; regulatory compliance; training; report writing; and/or research. * If you have part-time work experience that you want to include, please refer to the following to determine your credit of full years of related employment experience:35+ hours worked per week = full credit for time worked28-34 hours worked per week = 75% credit for time worked18-27 hours worked per week = 50% credit for time worked9-17 hours worked per week = 25% credit for time worked< 9 hours worked per week = no credit given for time worked
   • None
   • Some, but less than one full year of employment listed above.
   • At least 1 full year but less than 2 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 2 full years but less than 3 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 3 full years but less than 4 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 4 full years but less than 5 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 5 full years but less than 6 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 6 full years but less than 7 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 7 full years but less than 8 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 8 full years but less than 9 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 9 full years but less than 10 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 10 full years but less than 11 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 11 full years but less than 12 years of employment listed above.
   • At least 12 full years or more of employment listed above.
2. * Please describe your high containment laboratory experience. Include a description of your role in high containment laboratory operations and the number of years of paid full-time experience you have in this area.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

Optional Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

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