37082BR

Academic Sciences Building

Position Description

The Office of Research and Innovation at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month research faculty position as a BSL-2/BSL-3 Facility Director. The position is at the junior level for a Research Assistant Professor; however, other ranks will also be considered. For this position, a Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or a related discipline is required, along with prior experience supervising a BSL-2/3 facility.

The Facility Director of the Biosafety level two (BSL-2) and Biosafety level three (BSL-3) laboratories located in the Academic Sciences Building (ASB) will be responsible for daily oversight and coordination of all BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations and personnel. The Director will be responsible for ensuring that laboratory personnel are properly trained in accordance with university guidelines and Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) regulations to carry out select agent work under BSL-3 conditions. The Director will also directly engage and work with researchers and faculty across the campus and with the appropriate regulatory authorities to ensure that research conducted in the facility is performed safely and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and institutional guidelines. The Director will be the primary point of contact for researchers, facilities maintenance and repair services, and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) personnel. The Director will serve as an Alternate Responsible Official for the institution under the FSAP.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

The Office of Research & Innovation facilitates excellent research, scholarship, and creative activities for all and promotes an academic environment embracing curiosity, innovation, debate, diversity, ethics, and integrity. The office supports responsible and safe conduct of research, faculty development and recognition, interdisciplinary collaborations, externally sponsored research, partnerships with industry and community and application of research for the benefit of society.

About the Department/School/Area

Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

* Works with TTU researchers and EH&S to develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures for the management of the BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities in the ASB, ensuring safety and security protocols are followed, and that the facility operation is safe and secure.

* Ensures safe operation of the BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities to support the research of different investigators

* Coordinates with the TTU Institutional Responsible Official (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officials (AROs) to establish and maintain Federal Select Agent Program registration for the ASB BSL-3 facility.

* Develops BSL-2 and BSL-3 facility training programs for users.

* Ensures that laboratory personnel receive all required and appropriate training for research of select and non-select infectious agents.

* Works to minimize hazards and exposures to select and non-select infectious agents in all work performed within the ABS laboratories.

* Maintains appropriate training and access records for personnel in the facility.

* Prepares and maintains lab-specific incident response plans, biosecurity plans, and biosafety plans.

* Manages BSL-2 and BSL-3 facility manager, biological safety officer, and other staff.

* Ensures compliance with NIH, CDC, and USDA requirements for BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations.

* Responsible for compliance and reporting required by the Federal Select Agent Program.

* Responsible for all regulatory compliance reporting to the various authorities and agencies having jurisdiction.

* Ensures risk assessments are conducted for all non-select and select agent infectious materials that are to be used in the BSL-3 facility.

* Coordinates occupational health program and user health monitoring with EH&S.

* Reviews PI research project proposals in conjunction with the TTU IBC and EH&S to determine if the project is appropriate for the facility.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or a related discipline.

2. Minimum of five years of prior experience working in a BSL-2/3 facility, with at least two years in a supervisory role.

3. Must pass a background check and security risk assessment from the U.S. Department of Justice Bioterrorism Risk Assessment Group.

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Three Professional letters of recommendation

4. Other document(s) directly related to required qualifications.

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr./Prof. Mechref, Search Committee Chair at Yehia.Mechref@ttu.edu. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at hrs.recruiting@ttu.edu or 806-742-3851.

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Schedule Details

Full-time 9 month schedule

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Research Faculty

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800