Biosafety Officer

All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department's mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.

Candidates in one of these classifications, where a Master’s Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 2% of their monthly base pay. Those where a Doctoral Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 3% of their monthly base pay. Individuals with both a Master’s and Doctoral Degree will be given the best benefit in relation to salary shall only be eligible for only one amount.

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by ensuring that scientists and microbiologists are working under safe conditions, are provided with occupational health services, and the most up to date biosafety information in order to perform their work safely. The Biosafety Officer Research Scientist III (RS III) promotes biosafety and accident prevention measures using a variety of strategies including drafting and updating guidance documents, presenting safety seminars and trainings, organizing safety audits, and mentoring employees in safety practices.  

The RS III monitors and coordinates laboratory safety initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance by identifying potential areas of vulnerability and risk, developing and reviewing risk assessments and reports on a regular basis, and developing and implementing corrective action plans as directed. The RS III works closely with all stakeholders on Richmond Campus on laboratory biosafety and compliance issues and takes lead in the systematic investigations and remediation of laboratory biosafety incidents. The RS III is the designated Infectious Diseases Laboratory Division (IDLD) liaison with relevant partners within CDPH and local and federal agencies for laboratory compliance, safety and security issues.

The RS III works closely with CDPH management, and internal and external public health partners at the federal, state and local levels serving as a subject matter expert, providing independent scientific recommendations and consultation, leading project coordination and planning, and developing applicable scientific safety policies.  

The candidate works under the general direction of the Chief of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory Division, and accepts direction from the Microbial Diseases Laboratory Branch, Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory Branch, and Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program Chiefs. 

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• California Public Health Microbiologist Certification preferred but not required
• Biosafety certifications, such as American Biological Safety Association (ABSA)
• Professional certifications, knowledge, and experience in clinical and diagnostic testing
• Knowledge and/or experience with environmental laboratory testing, and requirements
• Knowledge and experience with select agent and toxins, Laboratory Response Network-B and C (LRN-B, LRN-C), radiation safety, risk assessments, chemicals and hazards safety, and toxicology
• Knowledge and experience of laboratory safety, CAL-OSHA, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and standards
• Knowledge of quality assurance in the public health laboratory setting
• Knowledge of up-to-date techniques of data collection, management, analysis, and reporting

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.