RESEARCH HEALTH & SAFETY SPECIALIST

About the role

To work with the Research Safety Team (RST) to support the laboratory safety program. To conduct and maintain a laboratory hazard surveillance program at UAB for those working with chemical, physical or biological hazards in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Conducts laboratory audits to assess compliance with current UAB policies and applicable regulatory agencies.
• Interviews staff and reviews lab records to assess awareness to potential health and safety risks and appropriate practices and procedures in place.
• Documents deviations from expectations and assists researchers and staff with corrective action plans.
• Generates correspondences concerning the outcome of the audit and provides corrective recommendations to the principal investigator.
• Initiates follow up audit as appropriate.
• Maintains and updates the electronic audit system and chemical inventory database.
• Supports the research safety program by identifying training needs and assisting with the development and delivery of laboratory safety workshops and training modules.
• Oversees the laboratory hazard surveillance program and collaborates with principal investigators to develop safety procedures and SOPs.
• Monitors lab activities to ensure alignment with approved research protocols and compliance with safety standards.
• Delivers safety services to laboratories, including equipment tag-out procedures, and acts as a liaison between labs and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) teams to ensure effective coordination.
• Assists in developing risk-based safety plans and chemical hygiene documentation to support safe research practices.
• Supports the development and delivery of research safety trainings, including hands-on workshops and instructional sessions for graduate students, teaching assistants, and other lab personnel.
• Assists in procurement, interpretation and distribution of safety information, including safety data sheets for chemical and infectious agents, to research facilities.
• Develops guidelines and SOPs, and interprets existing policies and regulations for the researchers.
• Conducts regular training for researchers on spill and emergency response, hazardous material management, and promotes safety awareness through educational materials such as posters and handouts.
• Assists in the development and presentation of research safety trainings including hands-on training at the Laboratory Safety workshop, TAs/Grad student training series, and teaches other classes as needed.
• Prepares reports for Senior Safety Officer and EH&S leadership to support safety compliance and actively contributes to institutional committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Hygiene or a related field and one (1) year of related experience required.
• Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business.

Salary Range

$ 39,215.00 - $45,115.00

Benefits

N/A

Skills

• Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations, laboratory safety practices, and standard laboratory procedures
• Ability to conduct safety audits, inspections, and investigations, and to prepare clear, accurate, and detailed reports with findings and recommendations
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to support process improvement and quality initiatives
• Proficiency with personal computers and related software applications; ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and manage electronic records
• Knowledge of basic mathematical concepts used in scientific calculations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and regulatory agencies

Work Characteristics

• Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations, laboratory safety practices, and standard laboratory procedures
• Ability to conduct safety audits, inspections, and investigations, and to prepare clear, accurate, and detailed reports with findings and recommendations
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to support process improvement and quality initiatives
• Proficiency with personal computers and related software applications; ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and manage electronic records
• Knowledge of basic mathematical concepts used in scientific calculations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and regulatory agencies