RESEARCH HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALIST

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.  

The Research Health & Safety Specialist (RHSS) will work with the Research Safety Team (RST) to support the research safety program.  The RHSS will be responsible for conducting and maintaining a laboratory hazard surveillance program for UAB Facilities, while working with chemical, physical or biological hazards in a research setting.  The program will be designed to meet health and safety requirements of current 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 an ongoing electronic audit database.

·         Supports the research safety program. Identifies training needs in the research community and assists in development and presentation of laboratory safety training modules and/or workshops

·         Responsible for conducting and maintaining a laboratory hazard surveillance program. Works with PIs to develop guidelines, procedures, and SOPs to ensure safety of the employees and students. Works closely with PIs, lab managers, and researchers to ensure the facilities are in compliance with federal, state requirement. Stays current on federal state regulations (OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIH, etc.) to provide consultations.

·         Provides safety related services to laboratories. This includes equipment tag-out (needed to move any equipment that housed biological or hazardous materials).  Serves as liaison between EH&S and laboratories and laboratories and other groups within Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to facilitate effective communication. Assists the laboratory staff in developing risk-based research health and safety plans, chemical hygiene plan and other required safety plans.

·         Reviews the approved research protocols for the lab and ensures that lab research is consistent with the approvals and not deviating from the approved plans.

·         Assists in maintaining the database for safety reviews and findings.

·         Supports Green Lab program.

·         Assists in maintaining an accurate chemical inventory database.

·         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. Regularly trains researchers on spill response, emergency response, safe chemical & biohazard managements, safety shorts and other type of 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 and/or presents reports, as necessary, to the Senior Safety Officer or EH&S management.

·         Assists in updating and maintaining UAB Laboratory Safety Manuals and EH&S webpage.

·         Serves as EH&S alternate representative for UAB Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) as needed. Prepares lab safety review reports for bio and chemical safety committees.

·         Serves on EH&S emergency response team.

·         Promotes a comprehensive laboratory and research health and safety program.

·         Perform 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 judgement to solve problems and may recommend improvements. Unusual problems are reported to the supervisor.

Customer Service Relationships

·         Requires basic people skills and civil communication.  Forwards complex complaints to the appropriate person.

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

STARTING HOURLY RATE OF PAY:  $18.85 - $22.90 (Commensurate with experience & 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

·         Knowledge of Microsoft Office products

·         Organizational skills

·         Process improvement and quality skills

·         Project management skills

·         Written and verbal communication 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 interpersonal skills

·         Computer skills

·         Experience in laboratory safety

·         Experience conducting audits

·         Experience identifying and communicating safety training needs

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/ .

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities.