The Principal Investigator (PI) is defined as the faculty member or other university employee leading an activity (research, teaching, or other activity). The PI is accountable for all activities occurring in the assigned lab and responsible for full compliance with applicable regulatory standards, guidelines and policies/procedures set forth by the University. The PI is primarily responsible for the prudent management of chemical, biological hazards, and the safety as well as health of laboratory staff, students, volunteers, and visitors. Although the PI may choose to delegate these aspects to other laboratory personnel or faculty, this does not absolve the PI of being ultimately responsible. Duties of the PI include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities for Compliance and Biosafety

• Ensure compliance with NIH Guidelines for recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research, in accordance with system policy and TAMUK rules.
• Determine experiment classification under Section III-E (experiments requiring IBC notice at initiation) and ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Select appropriate laboratory practices and techniques for safe and compliant research.
• Establish containment requirements by determining the necessary levels of physical and biological containment per NIH Guidelines.
• Investigate and report issues related to containment practices and procedures in writing to the appropriate authority.

Documentation and Approvals

• Submit an initial Application for IBC Permit and any subsequent amendments for review and approval/disapproval.
• Develop and maintain a Lab-specific Biosafety Manual that includes all relevant protocols.
• Provide laboratory staff access to protocols describing potential biohazards and required precautions.

Training and Communication

• Instruct, supervise, and train laboratory staff on:
  • Safety practices and techniques
  • Accident response procedures
• Submit training documentation to the IBC and include the training roster in the Biosafety Manual.
• Maintain an updated list of active lab personnel.
• Inform staff about precautionary medical practices when advised or requested.
• Respond promptly to questions during the review process.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the IBC throughout the protocol and report any incidents or events promptly.