West Virginia University Research Corporation Environmental Health & Safety is currently accepting applications for a Environmental Health & Safety Associate.

About the Opportunity

As an Environmental Health & Safety Associate, you will be responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of the biological safety programs within the high containment BSL3/ABSL3 labs.

You will be part of AUX Environmental Health and Safety team and report to Alexandra Elliott.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs.:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• PTO
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
• And more!!

What you’ll do:

• Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of biological safety programs.
• Assist with maintenance and oversight of BSL3 and ABSL3 projects, which includes but is not limited to start up, maintaining schedule/calendar, standard operating procedures, and training.
• Maintain stock of PPE, scrubs, and other equipment in the High Containment facility.
• Perform weekly laboratory checks including safety shower/eye wash testing and other weekly checks in the BSL3/ABSL3 rooms.
• Run laboratory equipment including autoclave, centrifuge, etc.
• Coordinate weekly pick-up of biohazard waste from BSL2+ labs.
• Assist with decontamination and annual certification of the High Containment facility.
• Assist with animal care including daily health checks and cage changing duties.
• Prepare written and verbal reports, conducts investigations and special projects.
• Process and review biosafety and biosecurity forms or documents (IBC protocols, SOPs, etc.).
• Provide support for shipping biological materials.
• Monitor biological safety conditions by performing periodic physical surveys, inspections, and reviews in BSL2, and BSL3 laboratories.
• Work with research staff on various projects within BSL2 and BSL3 labs.
• Interact with various institutional staff, administrative offices, researchers, service providers and regulatory agencies as required.
• Support the response to incidents and emergencies in labs containing biohazards.
• Provide backup assistance and coverage with HSC Safety Office and Biosafety Officer.
• Available to respond to institutional emergencies on a 24-hour basis, as needed. Response may require participation in remedial or containment efforts.

• Bachelor of Science degree required in microbiology, virology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or a related biological sciences field.
• Preferred Education:
  • Masters in in microbiology, infectious disease, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or a related biological sciences field.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience involving:
  • Laboratory work in Microbiology, Recombinant DNA, or infectious disease.
  • Work experience in a BSL2 lab.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work in a BSL3 facility.
• Work with animals in a research setting.

• Must be successful in obtaining security risk assessment approval as specified in the Select Agent regulations.
• Valid US driver’s license required.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC’s mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.