Laboratory Safety Specialist

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of contact for assigned departments, Principal Investigators (PIs), and research teams on research safety issues and addressing research safety needs.
• Aid with all research safety support, collaborating with the Office of Research Safety, Animal Resource Center, and Environmental Health and Safety.
• Demonstrate a regular presence in laboratories, building strong partnerships with assigned PIs and their research teams.
• Work with research teams to develop systems and procedures for maintaining laboratory chemical inventories and monitor the status of records.
• Ensure compliance of laboratory safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, fume hood certifications).
• Help PIs develop Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols in conjunction with the Office of Research Safety and Animal Resource Center veterinarians.
• Conduct orientation training sessions with new PIs, ensuring they understand their research safety roles and responsibilities and how to acquire required support.
• Monitor adherence to training requirements in coordination with the Office of Research Safety and inform PIs about non-compliance.
• Work with PIs and departments to procure safety equipment and supplies (e.g., personal protective equipment, hazardous materials) for assigned research teams.
• Conduct inspections of all research laboratories and lab support areas based on risk level; recommend corrective actions and perform follow-up verification of deficiency corrections.
• Schedule and partner with Office of Research Safety staff for laboratory safety inspections, ensuring adherence to government regulations and University standards, policies, and procedures.
• Review and research appropriate hazard control and mitigation strategies — including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment — and support faculty and research staff in the implementation of these strategies.
• Monitor compliance and provide data to the Office of Research Safety and Environmental Health and Safety in support of regulatory agency laboratory safety inspections.
• Serve on laboratory safety-related committees and participate in departmental and campus-wide work groups to facilitate laboratory injury prevention, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Participate as a member of the emergency response team; respond to hazardous material releases and serve in the appropriate response role based on training and expertise.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures.
• Analyzes data and initiates immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, or life sciences.
• Laboratory safety experience in chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or a research laboratory setting.
• Experience in chemical hygiene and laboratory safety practices.
• Relevant certifications such as Hazardous Materials Technician (or higher classification), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), safety management certificate, or qualification in laboratory safety.
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for use of respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).