Analyst, Biosafety

Job description / Role

Organization: Biomedical Research
Work Days: Sunday-Thursday
Sponsorship Eligibility: Yes
Classification: Full Time
Posting End Date: August 6, 2024

Position Summary
The position is responsible for supporting various aspects of the biosafety program, which includes inspecting the research laboratories, maintaining compliance measures, conducting risk assessments, administrating committee reviews, and facilitating training.

Job Responsibilities
- Develops, maintains, and disseminates information on the Research Biosafety Programs and serves as a focal point of contact for biosafety procedures and containment.
- Coordinates with labs on the maintenance, repair, testing, and decontamination of critical containment equipment.
- Maintains inventory of consumable safety supplies (PPE, decontaminating chemicals, etc.) and undertakes purchasing to ensure compliance and meet end-user research needs.
- Provides biosafety and bloodborne pathogens exposure control training and/or refresher to all WCM-Q faculty, staff and students who may be exposed in research.
- Conducts risk assessment to determine the appropriate biosafety level and personal protective equipment requirement for handling and disposing of biohazardous materials.
- Provides technical information and support to PIs and research team members in developing plans for preventing and handling accidental spills and personnel contamination.
- Reviews protocols/grants/reports to ensure effective risk management practices and applicable ethical approvals are in place prior to research conduct.
- Conducts periodic inspections of the research laboratories to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reports the findings to the appropriate stakeholders.
- Participates in emergency response procedures for the research facility, including biohazardous material emergencies as required.
- Administers the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and interfaces with various stakeholders and other committees (e.g., IACUC, IRB) on issues and procedures related to biosafety and research compliance.
- Maintains documentation for annual BSL re-verification and assists in the preparation of user reports, Institutional Biosafety Committee registration, assurance and amendments with Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
- Works with the Vivarium team to ensure animal facilities adhere to safety standards and are prepared for inspections and certification.
- Maintains database relating to biohazardous materials holdings around the college and receives, collates and disseminates incident reports to the appropriate stakeholders as required.
- Liaises and works collaboratively with FHSS and Qatar Foundation on the safe usage, shipment and disposal of biohazardous research material.
- Coordinates access for visitors, contractors and other stakeholders to research lab, vivarium etc. as needed for meetings.
Builds effective partnerships with staff, faculty, and students throughout the college by sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or related discipline.

Licenses and Certifications
The achievement of one or more of the following professional certifications or equivalents is desirable:
- Registered or Certified Biological Safety Professional, ABSA International.
- Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Institute of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers.
- Certified Safety Professional, Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
- Certified Industrial Hygienist, American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
- Certified Health Physicist (CHP), American Board of Health Physics.
- Completing Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) and First Aid courses is desirable

Experience
- 5 - 6 years of experience in biosafety or environmental health, safety and security.
- Previous experience in research, scientific or healthcare setup is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to develop and present safety training for large groups of faculty, staff, and students.
- Through knowledge of Qatar-based EHS compliance and safety measures.
- Thorough knowledge of biosafety, chemical hygiene and radiation protection programs.
- Ability to conduct inspections diligently and seek ways for continual improvement.
-Excellent/Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Proficient in English and Arabic (preferred).
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office suite of products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands
- Must be capable of handling WCM-supplied safety equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Must be available for emergencies during work and off-hours via phone and email.

About the Company

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar was established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation (QF). The first medical school in Qatar and a pioneer of coeducation at the university level, WCM-Q offers an integrated Six-Year Medical Program that incorporates pre-medical and medical studies and leads to the Cornell University M.D. degree.

Teaching is by Cornell and Weill Cornell faculty, including physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) who hold Weill Cornell appointments. Enrollment has grown rapidly from 25 first-year pre-medical students in the fall of 2002 to over 300 students from more than 30 countries today.

WCM-Q is part of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, which was founded over 100 years ago, and shares the same mission:

• To provide the finest education possible for medical students
• To conduct research at the cutting edge of knowledge
• To improve healthcare both now and for future generations
• To provide the highest quality of care to the community

WCM-Q’s home city is Doha, a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis with a culturally diverse population, a rapidly growing economy, and modern infrastructure. WCM-Q is a member of Qatar Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with multiple centers focused on education, research and innovation, and community development. WCM-Q is located within Education City, the flagship development of QF, which occupies more than 12 square kilometers and is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and overseas campuses of elite universities, such as VCUarts Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Northwestern Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and HEC Paris in Qatar.