Details
Open Date 06/29/2026
Requisition Number PRN45491B
Job Title Environmental Health & Safety Specialists
Working Title Biosafety Specialist
Career Progression Track P00
Track Level
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
M-F, 8am-5pm
VP Area President
Department 00472 - Environmental Health & Safety
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment Internal to the University
Pay Rate Range $32,904-$80,000
Close Date 07/06/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
The Biosafety Specialist, is an integral member of the University of Utah Biosafety Team, supporting the safe conduct of cutting-edge research involving biological agents and helping protect the University community. This role involves collaboration with researchers, faculty, and institutional partners to implement and oversee biosafety programs. The position offers a diverse mix of responsibilities, including supporting Institutional Biosafety Committee ( IBC ) operations, conducting laboratory inspections, developing training and educational materials, and contributing to policies and resources in an evolving regulatory landscape. This role provides opportunities to build expertise in biosafety, regulatory compliance, and research oversight within a dynamic academic environment.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Inspect research laboratories for compliance with regulations and guidelines related to the use, handling, and disposal of biohazardous agents. Track deficiencies and provide guidance on corrective actions.
Contribute to the administration of the Institutional Biosafety Committee ( IBC ), including compiling and reviewing registration materials, communicating with Principal Investigators and committee members, and generating documentation (e.g., memos, approval letters, expiration notices).
Support the transition to a new biosafety office registration software system and contribute to improving the efficiency of IBC registration processes.
Contribute to the development of virtual training modules related to OSHA -required blood-borne pathogen exposure control, BSL -2, BSL -3, ABSL -2, and ABSL -3 programs, and IBC registration processes for faculty, staff, and others working with or potentially exposed to biological agents.
Participate in the development and ongoing revision of institutional biosafety guidance documents to align with evolving federal, local, and institutional regulations and policies.
Assist research laboratories with risk assessments involving biological agents and provide guidance on biosafety practices and regulatory compliance.
Contribute to biosafety outreach efforts, including in-person engagement, development of educational/marketing materials, and maintenance of web-based resources.
Monitor and triage the Biosafety office email inbox, providing accurate information and ensuring efficient routing of inquiries to subject-matter experts.
Support coordination with related compliance areas, including human participant research and animal research programs.
Assist in responses to incidents involving biohazardous materials, including spills and other emergencies.
Cross-train in additional Biosafety Office functions to support operational resilience.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the department's mission.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, I: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, III : Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, IV: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field strongly preferred.
Four or more years of experience in biosafety, research laboratory work involving biological agents, or a related field; experience at BSL -2 or higher preferred, with BSL -3 experience considered a plus. Additional education in a relevant discipline may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Experience with IBC processes, either as a committee member, administrator, or submitter of IBC registrations, strongly preferred.
Strong written and verbal professional communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
High level of attention to detail, organization, adaptability, and initiative.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously.
Proficiency with standard office software and ability to learn specialized systems.
Ability to develop and deliver effective educational and training materials; experience using AI tools for content development is a plus.
Working knowledge of biosafety principles and familiarity with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students across the university community.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
