EHS Specialist II

Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Our RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Our toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing us with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Our diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Huntington’s disease, as well as a preclinical program in obesity. Driven by the calling to “Reimagine Possible”, we are leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease.

Description:

The EHS Specialist II supports the day-to-day operations in Lexington and Cambridge, MA. They must build productive working relationships with manufacturing and scientific staff while implementing and executing appropriate EHS programs. The EHS Specialist II will report to the Senior Manager of EHS while working closely with the senior director of EHS, senior members of the Facilities and Engineering operations team, and other leaders to support technical projects. These projects include but are not limited to, industrial hygiene assessments, environmental management, and high-hazard operations, as required. 

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the lead onsite EHS representative at the Cambridge location, while supporting day-to-day operations in both Cambridge and Lexington
• Proactively provides safety updates to other members of the EHS team, as well as other department leaders to build a robust safety culture
• Responds to, investigates and documents all work-related injuries/illnesses, establishing and implementing corrective actions in an appropriate and timely manner
• Contributes to annual program reviews and implements and executes new EHS programs as needed.
• Participates in Management of Change process, reviewing new and modified equipment and processes to ensure hazards are adequately controlled
• Performs EHS inspections of manufacturing suites, laboratories, and office areas. Documents and reports findings, and proactively addresses findings through corrective/preventative actions and communicating trends to area management
• Delivers EHS training to required personnel
• Participates in internal audits related to EHS program requirements
• Coordinates chemical hazard assessments with manufacturing and laboratory staff and conducts industrial hygiene monitoring and sampling where applicable
• Assists in the development and maintenance of emergency response plans and procedures, ensuring fire drills are conducted and evaluated for areas for improvement 
• Assists in maintaining EHS permits and licenses for the sites
• Acts as the chair of the Wave Safety Committee, preparing and executing meeting agendas on a routine basis in effort to bolster the safety culture at both sites
• Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team
• Supports the routine maintenance of the online EHS management system, tracking EHS performance and other key performance indicators

Education / Experience: 

• A minimum of 3-5 years' experience in EHS
• B.S. or equivalent in Environmental Management, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health or related field or in a technical discipline (e.g. science or engineering)
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry/laboratories is a plus

Skills / Pre-requisites:

• Experience and working knowledge of applicable EHS regulations and industry standards
• Ability to be proactive and to work with limited supervision and make decisions
• Ability to creatively communicate, train and motivate employees
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Physical and Job Conditions:

• Must be able to travel between Cambridge, Lexington, and Worcester locations, as required
• Ability to climb ladders, lift objects of 35 pounds, and enter confined spaces
• Respiratory protection is not currently required but may be necessary in the future
• Ability to enter manufacturing suites and successfully complete the manufacturing suite gowning requirement training
• May be required to work around hazardous chemicals/waste, biological agents (BL2), and/or vivarium
• Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week