Department: Office for Research Safety
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director, Research Safety Evanston, the Laboratory Safety Specialist administers comprehensive environmental health and safety programs to Northwestern University's academic and research communities. The primary function of this position is to oversee safety compliance of research laboratories, including inspecting assigned research spaces, providing follow up assistance as needed, documenting findings in safety management systems, and preparing summary reports of identified safety hazards.

Job Scope:

This position performs risk assessments, hazard analysis, safety audits and promotes safe work practices for Northwestern University research laboratories. The incumbent will work with the principal investigators, researchers and administrators in assigned departments to develop policies, procedures and strategies to mitigate safety hazards on campus. This position will serve as a specialist for the laboratory safety group on the Evanston campus. Safety support services include response to laboratory emergencies, incident investigations and other responsibilities as needed.

The Laboratory Safety Specialist will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.

Please Note:

The incumbent:

Will be required to carry a cell phone, pager at all times while at work, and may occasionally be required to wear a pager during off-hours.

Must be physically capable of hazardous materials response which requires wearing chemical protective clothing/equipment, including a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during emergency response.

Must be physically able to perform duties including lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, extensive walking. bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, and prolonged standing or squatting.

Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation through Northwestern Memorial's Corporate Health.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Works with principal investigators and researchers to integrate safety procedures into laboratory operations. Promotes safe work practices based on regulatory requirements, incident experience, best management practice, and University policy. Performs risk and industrial hygiene assessments, safety audits, and draft performance reports. Works with lab safety team to make recommendations on appropriate laboratory safety practices and hazard mitigation. Use safety management systems for documentation and metrics.
• Collaborates with Research Safety staff to learn and assist other program areas such training and radiation safety. Assists with inspections, sampling, documentation, reporting and follow up of cross-functional areas. Able to assist Evanston and Chicago campus as needed.
• Serves as a "First Responder" (as defined by the Homeland Security Act, 2002) for HAZMAT and laboratory emergencies on campus. Individual must carry a cell phone/pager while at work and occasionally provide after hours and weekend support for emergencies when needed. Capable of wearing up to Level B PPE (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.120AppB). Assist with training and outreach with emergency response authorities.
• Assist with maintaining emergency response and industrial hygiene equipment. Support respiratory protection program by conducting fit testing for respirator users. Prepare proposals for new safety products, policies or training. Interact with non-research personnel to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Answer and direct inquiries regarding chemical and biological safety and hazardous waste disposal questions from faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Research specific safety and compliance topics. Participate in training events for Research Safety staff and customers.
• Performs other technical and administrative responsibilities as directed. Improves own professional skills through conferences, professional development, training and acquiring certifications.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, other physical science or safety program.
• 2-4 years of experience in research laboratories or safety profession.
• Must be physically fit to lift/carry at least 50lbs, walk extensively, and be capable of wearing chemical protective clothing including respirators or SCBA

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Adept learner capable of receiving training and coaching in advanced subject matter such as science or technology and mastering material over time.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to work with individuals from many cultural backgrounds and varying language skills.
• Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills, ability to keep careful records, complete assigned forms, follow-up as necessary to meet identified needs.
• Self-motivated to work independently following established policies and procedures.
• Excellent skills in computer programs and applications.
• Excellent skills in problem solving, time management, teamwork and project management.
• Outstanding ability to set priorities, to meet deadlines, and to work independently.
• Outstanding ability to take initiative and manage projects with minimum supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in biology, chemistry, other physical science, or safety program.
• 4-7 years of experience in a research laboratory or safety profession.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, biological safety or industrial hygiene.
• Knowledge of EHS safety management systems and reporting metrics.
• Knowledge of shipping chemicals.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Professional level certifications in areas such as OSHA, HAZWOPER, Safety, First Aid, Emergency Response.
• Experience working within an academic research institution.
• Experience developing and conducting training in various EHS topics.
• Experience recognizing hazards and conducting inspections.
• Participation and response in HAZMAT emergencies.
• Experience addressing employee environmental health and safety concerns.
• Implementing environmental health and safety programs.
• Performing environmental or occupational sampling and preparing technical reports.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $67,000-$78,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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