Lab Safety Program Manager

Lab Safety Program Manager

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Safety Program Manager (LSPM) serves as the University's Chemical Hygiene Officer reporting to the Associate Director of Academic and Research Safety in the Office of Academic and Research Safety (formerly the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. The LSPM is tasked with developing and executing all required components of a laboratory safety and chemical security program to include establishing criteria for using extremely hazardous chemicals and high-risk research equipment and research processes. The LSPM will establish and monitor safety and compliance objectives, directly engage Principal Investigators (PIs) to collaboratively manage laboratory safety/chemical security requirements in teaching and research laboratory settings, and actively investigate and promote continuous process improvement efforts at all levels of education and research safety. When asked, assume the day to day responsibilities of the Academic and Research Safety Program in the prolonged absence of the Associate Director.

The LSPMwill possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills to effectively promote laboratory safety concepts at all levels of the academic and research enterprise including regularly engaging College Deans, Chairs, and Principal Investigators (PIs).

As the University's Chemical Hygiene Officer, the LSPM will be the subject matter expert on compliance with applicable regulatory standards associated with the use and management of chemicals used on campus. In addition, the CPSM will be the university's subject matter expert regarding laboratory safety to include process safety, chemical risk management, and chemical security. The LSPM must be self-motivated, technically skilled, and able to effectively influence laboratory safety and security performance, execute change, and promote collaborative problem solving. The LSPM is responsible for the development and assessment of leading indicators and is instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans to ensure continued improvement and program growth with a focus on evaluating process risk and incorporating risk mitigation into research processes.

LSPM responsibilities include the review of laboratory set-up, complex research protocols, and risk assessments and include making recommendations to the PI for improving safety and security associated with a specific project work; working directly with the Associate Director to develop comprehensive and compliant safety training with hands-on training. The LSPM will be responsible for working with PIs to ensure researchers are certified competent before performing research processes unsupervised. The LSPM is an active and voting member of the Institutional Laboratory Safety Committee . Additional areas of responsibility include the development of laboratory safety and security resources; coordination of hazardous waste management; oversight of the maintenance of records; directing staff to conduct lab audits, update laboratory safety manuals, policies and procedures. The LSPM will be responsible for the direct supervision of a team of laboratory safety specialists.

The LSPM will participate, as needed, with the Northeastern Emergency Response Team, and regularly be on-call outside of normal business hours to assist with the response to laboratory accidents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science degree required in chemistry, chemical engineering, or other physical science with a minor in chemistry required. Master of Science in chemistry of chemical engineering preferred.

Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated professional experience incorporating applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and best management practices into laboratory operations.

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience working in an Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) office or similar compliance capacity involving regular engagement with laboratory personnel.

Preferred Credential: Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional or similar applicable professional certification.

Demonstrated experience supervising technical and support staff. Proven ability to lead and mentor personnel and manage complex technical programs and projects.

Demonstrated experience in the design and construction of research laboratories and applicable engineering controls needed to mitigate risk.

Demonstrated knowledge of chemical nomenclature, chemical risks, and associated hazard control strategies.

Demonstrated knowledge of environmental and hazardous material/waste principles as well as ability to understand and interpret complex written regulations and technical reports. Working knowledge of organic, inorganic, and organometallic nomenclature and their incorporation into academic research. Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations directly impacting laboratory safety and laboratory operations.

Demonstrated ability to evaluate research protocols using chemicals and high-risk laboratory equipment and make recommendations to lower risk. Capable of engaging PIs to ensure additional identified safety measures are included in the protocol before start-up. Preferred additional experience evaluating laboratory protocols using radiation active materials, radiation producing equipment, and biological materials. Demonstrated knowledge of research processes, equipment, and chemical properties found in a laboratory setting.

Excellent coordination, communication, and customer service skills to effectively negotiate and appropriately influence the safety behavior of teaching and research faculty, lab workers and other staff, and students engaged in high-risk activities. Excellent time and management skills.

Ability to compile and present instructions as well as ability to clearly and concisely express ideas orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population and foster a collaborative work environment.

Proven ability to operate instrumentation required to monitor and assess chemical environments and exposure with experience in evaluating results.

Proficient at standard computer software packages including Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook in performing work assignments.

Experience with or ability to learn and utilize a Learning Management System (LMS) such as, Canvas or other data management platform such as BioRaft, to implement safety training and other safety program management needs.

Be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment as well as lift to 50 lbs.

Work in a variety of physical environments where hazardous materials or equipment are in storage or use.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Laboratory Safety Management Program 50%

Program leader for laboratory safety programs. Serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer to develop, implement, monitor and manage use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials by employees in research, teaching, and medical procedures as required by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Environmental Protection Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Boston Fire Department. Work also involves developing and updating written University plans and procedures as necessary to meet requirements of the regulating authority.

• Oversee audit program of laboratories and other facilities to insure they meet requirements of the Northeastern University Chemical Hygiene Plan, OSHA Standards, NIH Guidelines and Boston Fire Department requirements.

• Reviews new regulatory requirements for applicability and assess the impact of new or proposed regulations on laboratory safety resource needs.
• Reviews scientific publications and other academic safety programs for innovative approaches to safety operations and develops recommendations for improvements or simplification.
• Work with new and existing principal investigators as part of commissioning and decommissioning laboratories across campus.
• Ensure PI profiles are appropriately tracked on the EH&S management software, including laboratory emergency response signage.
• Work with principal investigators and researchers to integrate safety procedures into laboratory operations and processes based on best practice.
• Keep records accurate, complete, and up to date to meet the strict OSHA, EPA, and DPH regulations, as well as the NU policies outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Serve as secretary to the Laboratory Safety Committee.
• Prepare progress reports on program status on a regular basis to inform the Laboratory Safety Committee and departmental managers about concerns or compliance issues.
• Conducts accident and incident investigations as necessary including assessment of causal factors.
• Oversee the inspection and maintenance programs for various laboratory safety equipment.
• Work with faculty to ensure accurate hazardous material inventories are maintained in all laboratories. Submit inventory information to the Environmental Program Manager upon request.
• Support campus planners and project managers to insure consistency with Northeastern University's Environmental Health and Safety standards for laboratories. This individual must be able to work collaboratively with all levels of personnel, conduct reviews of contractor plans and field conditions, as well as provide safety training, and project safety performance analysis.
• Attend laboratory pre-construction meetings and project meetings as necessary to communicate performance expectations established by the Office of Academic and Research Safety (OARS).
• Reviews laboratory construction project design documents and specifications. Provides comments and recommendations with respect to compliance with Office of Academic and Research Safety guidelines for design.
• Reports regularly to OARS directors regarding laboratory construction safety program implementation status and agendas

Audits and Consultation 15%

Supervise the audit of laboratories, review the audit findings' reports, and the effective correction of identified deficiencies. Compile data and develop reports related to laboratory safety and security and other environmental health and safety information/trends and regularly submit reports to the Associate Director and Director. Ensure the compliant maintenance of records and documentation including training records, hazard surveillance reports, lab inspection reports, security inspections, and other regulatory compliance documents. Recommend and assist with conducting exposure assessments in laboratories and other work environments where hazardous materials and equipment are used. Reinforce the use of appropriate procedures, controls, regulations and policies regarding safe laboratory practices, activities, equipment, and environmental conditions that might have an impact on reducing laboratory accidents and incidents.

Leadership and Supervision 25%

Promotes continuous improvement and best practices in all aspects of laboratory safety.

Hire, evaluate performance, guide performance improvement, and contribute to the profession growth of Laboratory Safety Specialists and the success of the Laboratory Safety Program.

Hazardous Material and Waste Management 5%

Oversee compliant generation and storage of laboratory waste. Ensure the maintenance of waste records and documentation including hazardous waste training records, waste manifests, packing, and shipping are compliant. Work with faculty to ensure accurate hazardous material inventories are maintained in all laboratories.

Other Duties 5%

Assist other OARS professional staff with outreach, projects, and emergency response actions to mitigate spills or releases of hazardous materials as needed. Support the campus-wide lab coat program. Assist with the University's safety observation program. Participates in incident investigations, accident causation analysis, and the documentation and execution of corrective actions. Assist program managers with indoor air quality and industrial hygiene assessments including air and/or surface testing Provide laboratory safety training as needed to various groups within and outside of the organization. Assist with efforts of program managers in the use of platforms and modules associated with the compliance management system.

Other laboratory safety duties as assigned by the Associate Director or their delegate.

Position Type

Legal and Regulatory Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.


To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Lab-Safety-Program-Manager_R106463 jeid-3503ed9253467948b4607172d4b0c64c