Lab Safety Specialist

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Summary:

The Laboratory Safety Specialist I (LSS) in Northeastern University’s Office of Academic & Research Safety (OARS) is tasked with maintaining day-to-day activities associated with the Laboratory Safety Program. Reporting to the Lab Safety Program Manager, the LSS will evaluate compliance activities, assist with collaboratively executing lab safety programs, and encouraging continuous process improvement efforts at all levels of academic and research safety. Collaborates with Environmental Compliance and Occupational Safety (ECOS) and academic units at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Review research protocols for hazardous processes and write risk assessments

• Assist with the development and delivery of safety training

• Audit research and teaching laboratories

• Assist with ensuring compliance with OSHA, NIH, EPA, and other regulatory requirements

• Collaborates closely with building safety managers and relevant safety teams—including biosafety and radiation safety—to support academic and research programs on campus

• Coordinate with ECOS on hazardous waste management

• Assist principal investigators with chemical inventory and storage requirements

• Document and update safety procedures and guidelines

• Participate in and assist with laboratory safety programs

• Participate in the OARS Emergency Response Program on a rotating basis as a cross-trained OARS Responder. Will be required to carry a cell phone and occasionally respond to emergencies during non-business hours

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences, life sciences, environmental science, engineering, applied health science, or other applicable degree

• Minimum of two years of experience applying federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and safety practices to laboratory operations

• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental and hazardous material/waste principles

• Ability to understand and interpret complex written regulations and technical reports

• Excellent communication skills to effectively work with and appropriately influence safety behavior

• Ability to be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment as well as lift 50 lbs.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in one of the above fields

• Four years of experience in regulatory and safety practices

• Minimum two years of experience in an environmental health and safety office (or equivalent) in a lab safety role

• Experience evaluating research protocols and hazardous procedures for safety and compliance issues

• Experience with process safety and process hazard analysis

• Experience with safety data management platforms such as SciSure

• Certified Safety Profession, Certified Hazardous Material Manager, or related

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.