Biological Safety Officer Associate

Job Summary

The Biological Safety Officer ( BSO ) Associate will work closely with the Biological Safety Officer to support and maintain the University of Kentucky’s Biosafety Program for High Containment research. This role involves developing and enforcing biosafety, biosecurity, and incident response plans, ensuring compliance with relevant protocols and regulations, and providing technical expertise and leadership in high containment procedures. The BSO Associate will also act as the Alternate Responsible Official ( ARO ) as needed and assume the role of Responsible Official (RO) in their absence.

This position is critical in ensuring the safety and compliance of high containment research facilities and complex research involving biohazardous materials at the University of Kentucky, thereby contributing to the advancement of safe and secure research practices.

Certification eligible:
Registered Biosafety Professional ( RBP ) or Certified Biological Safety Professional ( CBSP ).

Regular sitting at computer workstation for extended periods; and intermittent hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste and blood borne/airborne pathogens.

Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Emergencies or maintenance activities may require call/text or onsite response after hours as needed.

Develop and enforce biosafety, biosecurity, and incident response plans; ensure compliance with relevant protocols and regulations; provide technical expertise and leadership in high containment procedures; serve as Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) as needed and assume Responsible Official (RO) in their absence; contribute to safety and compliance in high containment research facilities.

Must have the ability to plan, design, and implement biosafety practices and procedures and laboratory/research safety compliance management plans and procedures. Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication (oral and written) skills. Ability to pass FBI background check and obtain CDC / USDA clearance, as required based on current research program at UK.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

MS/PhD preferred
Emphasis in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biosafety, or infectious disease
Experience working in high containment in a research or compliance role
Certified Biosafety Professional ( ABSA CBSP ) or Registered Biosafety Professional ( ABSA RBP ) eligible (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
Drivers’ License preferred

Final date to receive applications 02/16/2026

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the option that best represents your number of full years paid, full-time, employment experience in biological safety; institutional biosafety community support; regulatory compliance; training; report writing; and/or research.
  * If you…