Assistant Safety Officer

Position Description:

The Assistant Safety Officer (ASO) promotes the safe conduct of research by facilitating regulatory compliance and sustainability efforts; developing and conducting training and audits related to biological safety; and maintaining associated safety databases. The ASO plays a key role in supporting MCW's research and clinical environments, serving as a liaison for offsite clinical safety matters, conducting lab safety assessments, and supporting Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) application reviews.

This position supports a research infrastructure of approximately 700,000 square feet across 7 buildings, serving over 3,000 faculty and staff. MCW's dynamic research environment continues to expand and is nationally recognized as one of the top academic medical centers in the country.

Primary Functions

• Assist in management and coordination of the Biological Safety Program for MCW; managing physical and health risks associated with biological agents and toxins; and facilitating compliance with all federal, local, and corporate policies and regulations.
• Review Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) applications and provide education to PIs and Study Team Members on IBC requirements.
• Participate in the inspection and auditing of laboratory and/or clinic activities and facilities; helps recommend appropriate safety/waste management procedures and corrective actions in accordance with established best practices and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Help in the development and implementation of a safety curriculum and databases to ensure effective training, support, and hazard communication for all faculty and staff that may be occupationally exposed to biohazardous materials.
• Fulfills compliance and safety functions, which may include serving on an as-needed basis as liaison to federal, state, and local governmental units (e.g., CDC, NIH, Wisconsin DNR).
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of inspections, training, and compliance documentation.
• Assists in development of emergency response plans.
• Provide guidance with personal protective equipment selection based on the findings in a job hazard analysis; may work with the Occupational Health Manager to arrange for respiratory protection fitting and training.
• May work with architects, consultants, engineers, administrators, and researchers in design and construction of new and remodeled facilities to ensure that biological safety issues are adequately addressed; and assists in evaluation of facility issues that impact safety.
• Provides consultations to MCW staff on biological safety and compliance questions, and provides technical assistance to other business units and departments.
• Promotes and maintains high standards of customer service to MCW faculty, staff, and students, serving as a role model by demonstrating exemplary behaviors in all interactions.
• Assists in development and maintenance of multiple communication routes for safety and compliance information.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of regulations and interprets standards, codes and regulations issued by relevant federal, state and local authorities, implements policies and procedures to maintain MCW compliance.
• Supports other EHS efforts, including: conducting accident/injury investigations, monitoring OSHA compliance, and assisting with environmental program maintenance.

Preferred Schedule:



M-F 8-5

Position Requirements:

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Must possess knowledge of NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines, CDC regulations for microbial pathogens including 42 CFR Part 73, OSHA regulations for Blood borne Pathogens, OSHA Laboratory Standard and other pertinent regulations including WI DNR/EPA Regulations and NFPA Codes;
• Standard operating procedures; hazard assessments; safe work practices; general laboratory practices; special procedures (by hazard class); procedures for select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, highly toxic substances, and substances with unknown toxicity; control measures (e.g. respirators); laboratory ventilation; exposure monitoring
• Employee training and information; medical consultation and examination; emergencies planning (e.g. power failure, spills);
• Record keeping and documentation; audits, inspections, and self-evaluations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community are needed, as well as good investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Must have the ability to work well under emergency conditions and must possess the ability to effectively make independent decisions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum Required Experience: 3 years of experience lab safety, bench work, or general safety-related roles
• Preferred Certification/Licensure(s): Certification or eligibility for certification by ABSA, NRCC or CHMM

What to Expect in This Role

Purpose-Driven Work

• Support lifesaving research in cancer, gene therapy, and more

• Help keep labs and clinics safe through education, audits, and emergency response

Career Growth

• Develop in biosafety, OSHA compliance, or chemical safety

• Gain valuable certifications and cross-functional experience

Strong Team Culture

• Small, collaborative team with open communication

• Supportive leadership and shared learning environment

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a full list of positions see: www.mcw.edu/careers

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.

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MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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