Research Health and Safety Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety)

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Description

The Research Health & Safety Specialist (RHSS) will work with the Research Safety Team (RST) to support the laboratory safety program. The RHSS will be responsible for conducting and maintaining a laboratory hazard surveillance program at UAB for those working with chemical, physical or biological hazards in a laboratory setting. The laboratory safety program confirms compliance with the health and safety requirements of current policies, regulations, funding agencies, and/or accrediting bodies.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• 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 EH&S teams to ensure effective coordination. Assists in developing risk-based safety plans and chemical hygiene documentation to support safe research practices.

• Assists with updates and maintenance of the UAB Laboratory Safety Manuals and EH&S website. 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.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Independent Judgement/Problem Solving:

• Performs tasks under close supervision, following clear policies and procedures. Supervisor reviews the work, and most problems are reported to them.

· Performs duties with general supervision, using established procedures. Occasionally uses independent judgment to solve problems and may recommend improvements. Unusual problems are reported to the supervisor.

· Carries out duties within the scope of University policies and procedures. Analyzes problems, adapts guidelines, and exercises independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that impact policies, procedures, and practices, referring exceptions to the supervisor.

Customer Service Relationships:

· Needs moderate communication skills to understand and address customer requests. Acknowledges and clarifies inquiries or complaints.

STARTING HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $18.85 - $22.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications)

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Subject to change to meet the needs of the University)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Industrial Hygiene or a related field and a minimum of one (1) year experience in a laboratory required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession of a valid driver’s license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintaining an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

· Ability to problem-solve

· Ability to use personal computer and related software

· Knowledge of environmental regulations

· Organizational skills

· Project management skills, process improvement and quality skills

· Familiarity with basic math used in scientific calculations and a general understanding of laboratory procedures

· Ability to read and interpret technical instructional manuals

· Ability to prepare clear, accurate and informative reports, including investigative findings, conclusions, and recommendations

· Superior communication and interpersonal skills

· Computer skills

· Experience in laboratory safety

· Experience conducting audits

PERSONAL: Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator and other personal protective equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, climbing ladders or entering confined spaces, and meeting entrance requirements for laboratory areas, and sitting at computer for long periods of time.

For full consideration, please be certain application and resume showcase all related experience as it relates to the job announcement, and please list all certifications and/or licenses, if applicable. Work experience should showcase successful progression in responsibilities and demonstrated leadership skills. Incomplete job profiles will not be processed.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.