Research Safety Specialist I

Who We Are:

The University of California (USC) is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Community - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

The Department:

USC’s Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides a safe and environmentally healthy workplace for students, employees, and the surrounding community. To support the academic research and administrative activities of the university by anticipating potential risks, evaluating safety procedures, and developing new safety procedures and programs.

Role Overview:

Under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer, the Research Safety Specialist I will assist with the implementation of the university research safety program and will perform comprehensive laboratory, biological, and radiation safety inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and provides training and technical and safety-related regulatory assistance to the research community.

Job responsibilities include:

• Serves as an assigned specialized safety expert and point of contact for safety related matters. Assists in the development and implementation of safety program(s) to meet university and regulatory requirements. Establishes, documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures. Performs inspections and compliance checks in high level research labs. Must be able to cite current standards and recognize when there is difficulty achieving a safe workplace with current standards (BMBL and NIH Guidelines).
• Assesses existing program(s) for adequacy and regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications, as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to safety and health. Ensures that program design(s) reflect the most recent standards and regulations.
• Conducts field audits for compliance to program regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follows-up, as required.
• Assisting PIs and researchers in the development of lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) as they relate to lab operations, experimental procedures, exposures, calibrations, dosimetry, lasers, contamination surveys, close outs etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1 year of experience. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience.
• Science education or directly related experience
• Valid California driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Related graduate study, or MS or PhD in related field. Additional experience in lieu of Master's degree.
• 2 years of experience
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write precisely for scientific documents such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, fact sheets, and other materials suitable for a well-educated audience.
• 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 communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to maintain data and records.
• 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.

How to Apply:

Application: Showcase your readiness to join the Trojan family by submitting a detailed application, resume, and thoughtful responses to our supplemental questions.

Current USC Employees: Please apply through the dedicated channel in Workday.

Benefits:

USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:

Tuition assistance for you and your family

Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options

403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC

50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes

Explore more on the USC Employee Gateway

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,000- $72,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members. Please review the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Plan page for more details regarding your rights and obligations as a job candidate.