The RBL Biosafety Officer serves as a key leader and technical expert in biosafety and biocontainment operations within the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at the Center for Vaccine Research (CVR). This role oversees training and access for individuals working with Select Agent pathogens, leads BioRisk activities within the Ideagen Quality Management system, and develops emergency response and biosafety drills. The officer ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional regulations by reviewing and originating manuals, SOPs, and guidance documents, and advises researchers on best practices in biosafety and biosecurity. Additional responsibilities include conducting inspections, investigating incidents, supporting federal inspections, presenting documentation to the University Biohazards Committee, and serving as an Alternate Responsible Official and Suitability Review Panel member for Tier 1 Select Agent access.

The Biorisk Management Division (BRM) ensures that University research with biological agents and animals complies with biosafety and biosecurity laws, regulatory requirements, national guidelines, and best practices. BRM supports critical research compliance committees, including the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, through participation in the review process, development of biosafety and biosecurity guidelines, and support for principal investigators during the risk assessment and risk mitigation process.

The University of Pittsburgh Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) was officially opened on September 24, 2007. The laboratories are an integral component of the Center for Vaccine Research (CVR), the umbrella institute that serves as the research hub for host-pathogen interactions at the university. Funded through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Pittsburgh RBL is part of a national network of fourteen biocontainment laboratories. This network focuses on developing countermeasures, such as vaccines, antibodies, and small molecules, to address the impact of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases of global importance. Pandemic preparedness lies at the center of the vision of CVR scientists.

A unique facility containing Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratories, the RBL houses dedicated environments for aerobiology, imaging, and immunopathology.

Serves the University's lead authority on matters related to biohazardous materials and ensures consistent compliance with all biosafety regulations and guidelines throughout the University. Monitors use and disposal of biohazard materials, handles biosafety-related accidents, and coordinates investigations as needed. Provides extensive departmental guidance, implements advanced biosafety programs and educational training, and develops appropriate biosafety emergency response procedures.

• Serves as the primary trainer for faculty, staff, students, and external visitors to the RBL. Evaluates readiness for work in biocontainment with Select Agent pathogens and grants access to regulated space when trainees are deemed proficient in work practices.
• Serves as primary lead on Ideagen Quality Management (IQM) responsibilities related to BioRisk activities.
• Develops and implements drills and exercises to test emergency response, security, and biosafety plans serving the RBL.
• Provides guidance to RBL researchers concerning biosafety, biosecurity, and Select Agent regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and revises manuals, SOPs, checklists, presentations, and other material annually, or as required by regulatory changes.
• Ensures RBL user compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the Select Agent Program.
• Inspects the RBL for potential biosafety hazards and non-compliance with federal regulations. Takes corrective measures as needed.
• Investigates incidents and develops applicable plans for improvement. Assists in reporting these incidents, as required, to the appropriate regulatory bodies.

• Serves as a primary liaison with the NBL/RBL Network and plays a critical role in Federal Select Agent Program inspections. Serves as a member of the Suitability Review Panel for access to Tier 1 Select Agent space. Serves as an Alternate Responsible Official for Select Agents.

The incumbent must be capable of adequately performing all duties outlined while wearing respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment required to enter BSL-3 facilities that will include, at a minimum, protective shoe coverings, protective suits, liquid barrier gloves, eye and face protection and chair coverings. The incumbent must successfully fulfill a confidential medical screening to determine they do not have a medical condition that may place the candidate at undue health risk by entering the RBL or that may create a medical contra-indication for any required vaccines. The position requires successful enrollment in the University of Pittsburgh's Animal Exposure Surveillance Program, Tuberculosis Protection Program, Measles Protection program, and other medical surveillance as dictated by the active research inside the RBL. In addition, the candidate must successfully complete a Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by federal regulation; and must maintain good standing in the University of Pittsburgh's Suitability Assessment program for access to Tier 1 Select Agents.