Research Safety Specialist, Research Laboratory and Safety Services

Research Laboratory and Safety Services at the University of Arizona is in search of a Research Safety Specialist. The Research Safety Specialist supports aspects of the chemical, biological, radiation, and industrial hygiene safety programs for the University of Arizona Research Enterprise. This position supports regulatory compliance and protects, promotes, and advocates for the health and safety of UA research personnel, and serves as a member of the integrated group of technical professionals (IGTP). The prospective employee must have the proper combination of education, certification, training, and work experience to help facilitate a safe and compliant work and learning environment for research and academic communities.

This position will be required to travel to the Phoenix Biomedical Campus (PBC) multiple times monthly to support their research efforts.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect University research laboratories, teaching laboratories and hazardous material facilities for compliance with applicable regulations, codes, hygiene practices, and workplace safety rules.
• Assess anticipated and existing hazards by reviewing documents, conducting measurements, calculations, and interviews.
• Communicate suspected and known hazards to Principle Investigators (PIs), faculty, staff, and students to mitigate hazards in the laboratory. 
• Lead in development and maintenance of research safety program operational documents: Hygiene Plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, forms, documents, signs, labels, metrics, and website content. 
• Supports surveillance and coordination efforts relevant to managing unique regulated materials to include: Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards & Export Administration Regulations/International Traffic in Arms Regulations material reporting, chemical assessments, review of antineoplastic drug particularly hazardous compound/drug use in animal research protocols, controlled substance registration, licensed explosive material licensure, high toxicity compressed gas ordering, biological hazardous and/or recombinant materials, safeguarding radioactive materials of increased concern, and providing exposure monitoring/radiation dosimetry. 
• Provide RLSS services, including but not limited to: Respirator fit testing and training, occupational audiometry and training, sealed source and other radioactive materials and machines surveys, radioanalytical surveys and analysis, safety committee support and reviews.
• Lead or be point on special tasks, projects, and trainings assigned by RLSS leadership. 
• Participate in development of posters and /presentations to be presented at relevant conferences, symposiums, workshops, etc. 
• Support response and remediation efforts for spills, abandoned hazardous materials, suspected regulated material exposures, and other regulated hazardous materials. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of laboratory safety requirements with the ability to review and understand federal, state, local, and university safety requirements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Fluent understanding of Microsoft Office platform.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment such as N95, PAPR, and half/full face respirator. 

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, engineering, chemistry, public health, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy .

• Master's degree in life sciences, engineering, chemistry, public health, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience.
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or equivalent certification.