Research Safety Specialist

Updated: Feb 17, 2023 Location: Irvine-Campus Job Type: Department: Environmental Health & Safety

Job Opening ID: 46650

Reports To: Assistant Director, Research Safety

Working Title: Research Safety Specialist

Department: Environmental Health & Safety

Bargaining Unit: 99

FLSA: Exempt

Payroll Job Code: 007146

Job Location: UCI Campus- Irvine

Percent of Time: 100%

Work Schedule: 8-5, M-F

Employee Class: Career

Position Summary:

Environmental Health & Safety strives to provide reliable, innovative and proactive services to the campus community. EH&S and the campus community work together. Our goal is to integrate safety into the culture of our community while supporting academic and research excellence. The result is a safe and healthy environment with appropriate compliance, protection of assets and efficient execution of business processes.

Safety professional who applies thorough safety knowledge or expertise in supporting Research Safety programmatic areas and within EH&S. The Research Safety Specialist performs comprehensive lab safety inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations and provides technical and safety-related regulatory assistance to the research community. The position works with labs to implement lab safety practices and procedures and identifies and evaluates a wide variety of potential hazards in the workplace. This individual serves as primary safety support to animal-research environments and has oversight of safety-related issues. Regular safety audits of animal research facilities will be performed focusing on EHS risk factors and written reports are submitted to University Lab Animal Resources (ULAR) management. The individual will evaluate and provide consultation on practices and procedures to control potential exposures, evaluate occupational health risks, and support research-related protocol reviews. The position will work collaboratively with the campus veterinarian to provide an effective work environment and addresses the various animal safety issues found in the vivaria. Additionally, this individual coordinates AED program efforts, provides EHS research safety services and additional program support, including, but not limited to, Controlled Substance Program, Occupational Health, and research-related PPE. The position is under general supervision by the Research Safety Programs Manager. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure predetermined objectives are adequately met and that application of professional / technical judgment is sound. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides regulatory interpretation and technical advice. Decision-making is based on established procedures; relevant laws; regulations and organizational policy; professional best practices; relevant science methodology; impact on other EH&S programs, and senior management approvals as required. Decisions may impact individual work, other EH&S programs, other departments and / or segments of the organization.

Compensation Range:

$75,000 - $90,000

Department Website:

https: // www. ehs.uci.edu

Required:

3 or more years safety specialist work, including 1 or more years with lab safety experience and exposure to animal research preferred

Bachelor's of Science degree in biology, virology, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related area equivalent combination of education, experience / training.

Ability to apply the concepts of biosafety, including criteria for establishing biosafety containment levels, to various research and laboratory applications. Thorough knowledge / understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge / understanding of all EH&S fields. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications. Ability to maintain data and records.

Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Ability to evaluate the workplace situations for safe handling, storage, use, or disposal of biohazardous and other hazardous materials.

Experience in lab safety and/or animal research safety. Ability to develop a strong rapport with academic personnel to thoroughly evaluate research projects and develop creative solutions to unique and often complex problems.

Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to write clear and concise technical reports.

Experience in designing, developing, and presenting training programs to individuals and groups. Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required, including use of a variety of computer programs and applications Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to biohazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal.

Knowledge of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for biosafety as they apply to infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and Bloodborne pathogens.

Preferred:

Professional certification preferred.

Prior experience in performing a variety of techniques with a variety of laboratory animal species and basic knowledge of issues pertaining to the use and care of animals in research, testing, and instruction. Experience in a biomedical research laboratory environment.

Experience with and knowledge about Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). Ability to perform reviews of biosafety proposals involving the use of infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and Bloodborne pathogens.

Special Conditions Required:

Must be able to wear PPE Must have a valid CA Driver's License and participate in the DMV pull-notice program.

May be required to work outside of regularly scheduled work shift.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

Background Check and Live Scan

Legal Right to work in the United States

Vaccination Policies

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

E-Verify

Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https: // hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected]

Share: mail +1 on Google Tweet Share on Facebook

Apply for this Job