Job Summary

The Biosafety Officer, under the general supervision of the Director of Environmental Health & Safety, serves as the campus authority for biosafety. The incumbent provides advanced-level functional expertise and leadership for complex and critical environmental health and safety programs. The role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local biosafety regulations, develops and implements biosafety programs, oversees biological use authorizations (BUAs), conducts laboratory inspections and audits. The Biosafety Officer communicates with researchers, administrators, and regulatory agencies to maintain a safe and compliant research environment across the university’s multiple sites and facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Campus Biosafety Officer (BSO), ensuring safe use of bioagents and biohazards across all campus facilities
• Develop, implement, and monitor biosafety programs, systems, procedures, and training
• Prepare and review Biological Use Authorizations (BUAs) for research involving pathogens, recombinant DNA, or biological toxins
• Conduct biosafety inspections and audits of laboratories and facilities, identify corrective actions, and ensure follow-up
• Provide expert guidance and training to researchers and staff on biosafety practices and emergency procedures
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including CDC, NIH, Cal/OSHA, EPA, DOT, USDA, and related standards
• Communicate with regulatory agencies and interpret evolving biosafety regulations for the university
• Assist in developing and implementing new safety protocols, including COVID-19 safety measures
• Participate in emergency response activities as part of the university’s Emergency Operations Center when required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of biosafety, environmental health, and safety regulations, standards, and best practices
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills to manage large, complex, and strategic EHS programs
• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, codes, and scientific data to programmatic decisions
• Strong project management and risk assessment skills for evaluating and mitigating hazards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with diverse campus stakeholders and agencies
• Ability to lead and influence committees, teams, and cross-departmental safety initiatives
• Knowledge of biological research practices, including containment, waste management, and laboratory operations
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations
• Skilled in training design and delivery, including biosafety resources and laboratory safety courses
• Demonstrated ability to apply customer service principles, maintain professionalism, and foster collaboration

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, microbiology or other biological discipline and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Professional certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) or Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or preparing to become a CIH, CBSP, or RBP
• 6 or more years of professional experience in the field of laboratory biosafety with a working title of Biosafety Officer

Compensation

Classification: Environmental Health and Safety Professional IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,787/month - $10,183/month (Step 14 – Step 16)
CSU Salary Range: $7,566/month - $11,022/month (Step 1 – Step 20)


San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: November 14, 2025, through November 30, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.