Laboratory Safety Specialist

Department
Provost Office of Research Safety

Job Summary
The Laboratory Safety Specialist (LSS) is responsible for managing and providing technical guidance, training, and inspective/risk analysis to ensure a safe environment in which to facilitate research and the pursuit of academic excellence. This position provides input into University-wide research safety standards, policies, and procedures as a key member of the research safety community, in addition to providing input on the allocation of roles and responsibilities for research safety between the Office of Research Safety and the divisional Laboratory Safety Specialists. The Laboratory Safety Specialist will work with departments to develop and implement strategic initiatives to foster safety culture at all levels and in all areas of the laboratory safety program, working closely and in coordination with building managers and project managers across the University. This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of contact for assigned departments, Principal Investigators (PIs), and research teams on research safety issues and addressing research safety needs.
• Assist with all research safety support, collaborating with the Office of Research Safety, Animal Resource Center, and Environmental Health and Safety.
• Demonstrate a regular presence in laboratories, building strong partnerships with assigned PIs and their research teams.
• Work with research teams to develop systems and procedures for maintaining laboratory chemical inventories and monitor the status of records.
• Ensure compliance of laboratory safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, fume hood certifications).
• Help PIs develop Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols in conjunction with the Office of Research Safety and Animal Resource Center veterinarians.
• Conduct orientation training sessions with new PIs, ensuring they understand their research safety roles and responsibilities and how to acquire required support.
• Monitor adherence to training requirements in coordination with the Office of Research Safety and inform PIs about non-compliance.
• Work with PIs and departments to procure safety equipment and supplies (e.g., personal protective equipment, hazardous materials) for assigned research teams.
• Conduct inspections of all research laboratories and lab support areas based on risk level; recommend corrective actions and perform follow-up verification of deficiency corrections.
• Schedule and partner with Office of Research Safety staff for laboratory safety inspections, ensuring adherence to government regulations and University standards, policies, and procedures.
• Review and research appropriate hazard control and mitigation strategies - including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment - and support faculty and research staff in the implementation of these strategies.
• Perform risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs; implement alternatives or improvements as needed.
• Monitor compliance and provide data to the Office of Research Safety and Environmental Health and Safety in support of regulatory agency laboratory safety inspections.
• Serve on laboratory safety-related committees and participate in departmental and campus-wide work groups to facilitate laboratory injury prevention, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Participate as a member of the emergency response team; respond to hazardous material releases and serve in the appropriate response role based on training and expertise.
• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• With a moderate level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiatives immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:
Driver's License - Multiple States
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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, or life sciences.

Experience:

• Laboratory safety experience in chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or a research laboratory setting.
• Experience in chemical hygiene and laboratory safety practices.
• Relevant certifications such as Hazardous Materials Technician (or higher classification), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), safety management certificate, or qualification in laboratory safety.
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for use of respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to maintain professionalism, credibility, and good service delivery practices when working with all contacts, internal and external.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization and across a wide range of roles, backgrounds, and institutional affiliations.
• Ability to communicate complex technical safety information clearly and accessibly to non-expert audiences, including researchers, students, and Principal Investigators.
• Ability to influence and advance safety culture at all levels of the organization without direct supervisory authority.
• Ability to manage sensitive emergency situations calmly and effectively, applying appropriate response protocols based on training and expertise.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in office, laboratory, and research-support environments.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and movement between laboratories and campus locations.
• Work may involve exposure to chemicals, biological agents, radiation, elevated noise, and other laboratory hazards within established safety limits.
• Requires the use of appropriate PPE and may require respiratory protection based on assigned activities.
• Requires participation in emergency response activities, including response to hazardous material releases and occasional work outside normal business hours.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)

Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$75,000.00 - $90,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.