Laboratory Safety Officer

Job no:

R-0000001924

Position Title:

Laboratory Safety Officer

Faculty or Staff:

Staff

Full Time or Part Time:

Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:

In-Person

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay:

$75,300.00

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date:

03/20/2025

Job Description:

The Laboratory Safety Officer supports the research and teaching by providing a comprehensive regulatory presence and a resource for all students, faculty, and staff in academic affairs. The laboratory safety officer will work collaboratively with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to maintain and update laboratory safety, including studios and other spaces in academic affairs where research/teaching practices require safety oversight, biosafety, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety, and chemical safety practices to ensure they meet all local, state, and federal regulatory standards. The successful candidate will provide regular safety training opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, each semester and throughout the summer months as well as maintain a strong physical presence in all laboratory spaces to preform risk assessments, inspections, trainings, and management of personal protective equipment (PPE) programs. The Laboratory Safety Officer will conduct regular safety inspections and work supportively with faculty and Science Center staff to address and remedy any safety concerns. In addition, the Laboratory Safety Officer will serve on several safety committees and be responsible for the effective implementation and ongoing quality improvement of systems for lab safety including but not limited to chemical tracking, database, and training. The Laboratory Safety Officer will provide reports to the Provost to ensure independence in matters related to compliance and safety standards and work closely with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety to coordinate comprehensive safety protocols that ensure alignment with institutional policies and regulations. Day-to-day management and administrative oversight will be provided by the Director of the Science Center to support the operational needs and resources required for the position.

Laboratory Safety Program Management:

• Perform, schedule, and oversee regular lab inspections and document follow-up corrective actions. Prepare safety reports on lab safety assessment deficiencies submitted to the Provost and maintain data on assessments and corrective actions.
• Develop, schedule, and teach regular laboratory and chemical safety trainings for students, faculty, and staff including initial training and refresher courses. Stay informed of new legislation, equipment, and procedures and promotes safety in laboratory design. Maintain records of safety training completion for all users of the Science Center.
• Train and supervise work study students to perform routine lab safety tasks in support of laboratory safety operations
• Provide guidance and supervision to faculty and staff in the development of standard operating procedures for laboratory safety practices, organize and implement safety drills and protocols for emergency and building closures, and advise on adequate safety needed to support research and teaching in the science center.
• Oversee the use of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, lab coats, etc.) and engineering controls (e.g. biosafety cabinets, gloveboxes, etc.) which may include coordinating annual certifications.
  
  
  

Chemical Hygiene and Hazardous Waste Program:

• Serve as the chemical hygiene officer for academic affairs including working with faculty and staff to ensure researchers and teaching staff are certified competent before performing processes unsupervised.
• Monitor procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals used in the lab and actively works to minimize waste and seek ways to improve the chemical hygiene program
• Oversees inventory of all chemicals in the science center and other academic areas. Monitors and adjusts processes, and performs data verification, to maintain an accurate chemical inventory.
• Support Environmental Health and Safety as needed in their management of hazardous waste satellite storage and main accumulation areas in the science center.
• Oversee hazardous material shipping
• Stay up-to-date with the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances, as mandated by local, state, and federal requirements and in accordance with policies put forth by the College’s Environmental Health and Safety office.
  
  
  

Safety Committee Oversight:

• Oversees the College’s Radiation Safety and Laser Safety Program in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, government regulations, and accreditation standards
• Serve as a member and/or Chair relevant safety committees including the Radiation Safety Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee
• Collaborate with committee members to develop and update safety guidelines and standard operating procedures.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor degree required, Masters preferred, in chemistry, biochemistry, physics or related field and relevant science experience.
• Experience with safety and regulatory compliance in a laboratory or industrial setting
• Ability to multi-task effectively and respond to demands in a timely manner. Strong communication skills - verbal, written and interpersonal
• The qualified candidate must demonstrate a strong ability to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students at all levels of the Science Center and the wider organization.
• Creative problem solving along with the ability to provide strategic options and recommendations
• Proficient in the use of office technology communication tools and software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Google suite).
• Experience creating and delivering chemical hygiene, laboratory risk management, and regulatory compliance training programs
  
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Five or more years experience in environmental health and safety or direct lab work experience in chemistry, biology, physics, or engineering labs.
• Experience working with students
• Experience developing or implementing training materials and programs
  
  
  

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.