Research Safety & Compliance Specialist

Texas Biomed is adding a position in our EHS department, Research Safety & Compliance Specialist. This role will be responsible for performing tasks supporting research safety and regulatory compliance programs under general supervision of the EHS Director. These programs include, but are not limited to, research laboratory inspections, biological safety, radiation safety, chemical safety, life safety, and hazardous waste. Works closely with researchers, sponsored programs staff, committee chairs and members, and regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to federal guidelines, support effective review workflows, and help manage biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with life sciences research.

The Role:

· Will design, deliver, and manage safety training and education in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.

· Oversee and provide administrative and compliance support for institutional research oversight programs such as Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Review Entity (IRE), with a working knowledge of relevant regulatory committee policies and procedures. 

· Support review processes related to biosafety, recombinant DNA (rDNA), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC), and similar research oversight areas. 

· Conduct research laboratory safety audits to identify existing or potential health and safety hazards and provide technical assistance to faculty, staff and researchers with corrective or preventive measures.

· Manage, communicate, and analyze inspection data; maintain and update safety equipment and supply records using electronic system.

· Aid in implementing hazard communications, Chemical Hygiene Plan, chemical inventory system and other procedures and practices for research laboratories and animal housing facilities.

· Assist during emergency spills control involving biological materials, hazardous chemicals and gases using special equipment and materials to eliminate and/or minimize exposure to employees and the community.

· Establish and manage applicable institutional safety programs to support research and animal care. 

· Administer all activities of the IBC and IRE, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, maintaining records of decisions and reviews, follow-up correspondence, and minutes of the meetings of committees.

· Lead in the electronic system implementation of the IBC/IRE review process, as applicable.

· Design and deliver initial and continuing training programs for researchers, PIs, staff, and IBC/IRE committee members on IBC/DURC/PEPP (or equivalent) policies, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Help manage required online training for committee members and investigators.

· Serve as the main point of contact for the Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR) and Sponsor Program to ensure smooth communication with federal funding agencies of research activities subject to DURC/PEPP (or equivalent).

Our Ideal Candidate:

Requires an associate’s degree in biology, microbiology, public health or related, or equivalent sixty (60) hours from accredited technical/vocational school required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

Three (3) years of relevant experience required, preferably in IBC administration or research compliance. Experience/knowledge of federal regulations involving rDNA and biosafety required. 

Experience in policy implementation or research oversight preferred.

Professional Biosafety or Biosecurity Certification (E.g., CBSP, RBP) preferred. 

Must have working knowledge of various regulatory committee policies and procedures.

Strong understanding of life sciences research, including biological agents, toxins, NIH Guidelines, DURC, and research involving pathogens with pandemic potential.

Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements to institutional research activities.

Knowledgeable of Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word and Excel). 

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: 

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center 
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics,  vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval 

What We Can Offer You:

• Recognized as one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2025.
• Awarded the 2024 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH).
• Employee-centered culture focused on open communication, job empowerment, and trust.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your family (including your pets!).
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (last week of December until New Year’s).
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and paid prescription drug resources to support your health.
• On-site gym and wellness programs to help you stay active.
• Flexible work arrangements designed to support work-life balance.
• We offer a relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to help you grow.

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity! Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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