Assistant Bio Safety Officer/BSL-3 Lab Manager (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $81,253.60/yr.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around February 10, 2026.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit UPTE (RX).

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Reporting to the Director of EH&S, and in partnership with the Director of EH&S, the ABSO/BSL-3 Lab Manager takes ownership of the BSL3 biosafety and biosecurity program at the University. The ABSO/BSL-3 Lab Manager serves as the SME for this program as well as other disciplines related to environmental, health and safety; including but not limited to other laboratory safety programs within the EH&S Department programs as assigned by the EH&S Director. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure predetermined standards and measures of performance are met, that application of professional/technical judgment is sound, that researcher's support needs are addressed and that faculty, staff and co-workers.

This position demonstrates sound judgment in selecting both the means and methods for obtaining desired results regarding compliance and support obligations. This position provides regulatory interpretation of biosafety and biosecurity obligations for laboratory practices and provides technical support and assistance for all issues involving University biological safety and biosecurity.

This position provides service and support to university academics, facilities, operational departments and EH&S co-workers for all biological safety matters and will provide timely and accurate interpretation of current laboratory practices and proposed laboratory practices in light of regulatory compliance obligations and best management practices exercised in the field of biological safety. This position is required to use a vehicle to respond timely to BSL3 biosafety and biosecurity matters at varying locations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs the daily operation of the UC Merced Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories. Prepares, operates, and maintains laboratory and experimental testing equipment. Schedule and supervise regular maintenance activities, including annual shutdown, decontamination, certification of equipment, and weekly/monthly laboratory maintenance. Provide laboratory administrative services including purchasing of supplies and equipment, maintaining required safety and operations documentation. Maintains inventories of PPE, consumable supplies and research reagents.

• Serves as a training instructor for the UC Merced BSL-3 Training Program. Reviews and updates training materials. Delivers training to BSL-3 researchers and related staff during training courses on-site at UC Merced and off-site.

• Participates in laboratory technical training for BSL-3 users, including required proficiency/competency testing.

• Support faculty users by conducting experiments, including contract research work, and assisting with the performance of complicated experimental procedures. Assists with research on animal models.

• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings with laboratory users, as well as campus administrative and safety personnel. Participates as a member of the campus High-Containment Laboratory Oversight Group.

• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a related area.

• Advanced degree in a related area. (Preferred)

• 3 years of related experience including 1 year working with laboratory animals.

• A minimum of 1 year working in BSL-3 laboratories. (Preferred)

• Experience providing BSL-3 didactic and practical training to laboratory staff. (Preferred)

• Driver's license required.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience working with biohazardous agents.

• Experience working in BSL-3 laboratories.

• Ability to use Windows and/or Mac computer systems and typing and clerical skills.

• Ability to work with diverse groups of researchers and support staff.

• Experience in working with laboratory animals.

• Ability to carry out general experiments with infectious agents.

• Data analysis and presentation skills. (Preferred)

• Training laboratories staff on scientific techniques. (Preferred)

• Ability to organize and maintain laboratory instruments and supplies. (Preferred)

• Ability to maintain accurate records of studies and laboratory management. (Preferred)

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills. (Preferred)

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques. (Preferred)

• Experience providing BSL-3 didactic and practical training to laboratory staff.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/