Laboratory Safety Specialist

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Job Summary

The Laboratory Safety Specialist, reporting to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety, is responsible for the oversight and implementation of Rensselaer’s Laboratory Safety Program to support a safe research and teaching environment. The Laboratory Safety Specialist serves as a technical expert in laboratory safety, focusing on the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures, educating the campus community on safe laboratory practices, and assisting laboratory groups in complying with federal, state, and local regulations as well as Institute policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in discipline related to the duties of the position
• Five years of experience in a laboratory or environmental health and safety, preferably in an academic or research environment

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

 

• 40 hour HAZWOPER certification
• DOT Hazardous Material Shipping Training Certification
• Experience working in a laboratory role in environmental health and safety, research operations or wet lab research
• Valid NYS Driver’s License
   

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of OSHA Laboratory Standard.
• Demonstrated ability to write procedures and plans that specify requirements or work process requirements for handling of hazardous materials or work safety steps.
• Demonstrated ability to identify hazardous materials, package materials for transport and accurately complete a shipping manifest.
• Knowledge of proper procedure for responding to emergencies involving hazardous chemical exposures.
• Ability to provide training to other personnel on Environmental Health and Safety practices and programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Windows or other technical tools in completing assignments.
• Ability to apply expertise in all the tools or applications used to complete work assignments and training.
• Ability to influence and coordinate laboratory activity across Rensselaer Portfolios, resolve problems in a timely manner, and develop alternate solutions when necessary.
• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with those who need to know of decisions/actions/problems.
• Ability to modify communication style both formal and informal to match the appropriate level of the audience targeted.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations and scientific guidance, along with perform basic mathematical calculations (percentages, proportions, area, etc.).
  Planning, organizing and effective time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Job Duties

1. Engages with Principal Investigators (PIs), Laboratory Supervisors, departments and lab groups to support compliance with relevant regulations and Institute policies. Provides consultation on the safe use of laboratory engineering controls, laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.  
2. Develops and manages the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Laboratory Safety Review Program. Conducts annual reviews of Institute laboratories, prepares reports, and provides guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs) and Laboratory Supervisors on mitigation actions to address any deficiencies or hazards.
3. Provides guidance and leadership during responses to laboratory safety incidents. Responds to such incidents and coordinates established emergency protocols with the Department of Public Safety. Leads incident and near-miss investigations. Determines root causes and recommends corrective actions to mitigate hazards and prevent recurrence. 
4. Collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Campus Planning and Facilities Design (CP&FD) on laboratory design, renovation and the setup of new or modified research spaces. 
5. Develops and implements laboratory safety policies, procedures and resources for the campus community. Develops and delivers laboratory safety educational programs and communications for fac