How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. Include the cover letter as the first page of your application. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan seeks an experienced compliance administrator to lead the institutional Biosafety and Controlled Substances Compliance programs. The Director provides strategic leadership for biosafety, biosecurity, and controlled substances oversight while supporting safe, compliant, and innovative research.
This position requires a regular on-campus presence to effectively support institutional committees, research personnel, regulatory inspections, and program operations. Accordingly, this position is not eligible for full-time remote work.
Responsibilities*
Provide strategic leadership for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Controlled Substances Compliance Program.
Oversee institutional review and oversight involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, infectious agents, biological toxins, and other biohazards.
Provide oversight for controlled substances compliance, monitoring, policy development, and program assessment.
Lead institutional policy development, training, quality assurance, inspections, and continuous improvement.
Coordinate regulatory inspections and interactions with, for example, NIH, DEA, CDC, USDA, and other agencies as applicable.
Provide leadership for professional staff, budgeting, organizational planning, and strategic planning.
Coordinate with research security, export controls, environmental health and safety, and other institutional partners.
Required Qualifications*
Educational experience generally associated with a Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Certification as a Certified Professional Biosafety Compliance Administrator (CPBCA) desirable or attainment within one year of eligibility.
Extensive knowledge of the NIH Guidelines, biosafety principles, applicable CDC/USDA regulations, Federal Select Agent Regulations, and controlled substances requirements.
Experience administering institutional biosafety and controlled substances compliance programs.
Effective management and interpersonal skills, including budget preparation and management, personnel management, demonstrated ability to hire and train new staff, and the ability to motivate and retain professional staff. Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience required, preferably within an academic environment.
At least 10 years' experience related to research or research compliance administration in a university setting.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to think strategically, analyze complex issues, and present sound recommendations.
Ability to mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.
Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of a team.
Modes of Work
This position requires a regular on-campus presence to effectively support institutional committees, research personnel, regulatory inspections, and program operations. Accordingly, this position is not eligible for full-time remote work.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
280225
Working Title
Director, Biosafety and Controlled Substances Compliance
Job Title
Director
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Umor Rsrch Pol&Compl
Department
OVPR Biosafety&ControlledSubs
Posting Begin/End Date
7/17/2026 - 7/31/2026
Career Interest
Administration
