Lab Safety & Compliance Specialist

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Job Summary

Manage operations of the Science Center's and in some instances the College's comprehensive program to ensure best practices for lab safety are effectively articulated and implemented, including training and continual updating of processes and procedures. Serve as a key member of the campus team ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) research and instruction. Key relationships include the Provost's Office, academic departments and programs, Science Center Administration, Grants & Sponsored Research, Risk Management and Facilities/Environmental Health & Safety.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Compliance (40%)

Maintain a system of records to document compliance with state and federal radiation safety, chemical hygiene and biosafety laws and regulations. Coordinate processes to ensure continuous registration and licensure of the College and individual faculty for radiation use, controlled substance use and the College's DOT permit. Assist with providing requested documentation during agency site visits and audits. Coordinate NAGPRA compliance including documentation, inventory and support of repatriation processes when needed.

Lab Safety (40%)

Schedule, deliver and document required student and new employee training in various aspects of lab safety for research labs and teaching labs; oversee art studio safety program. Contribute to the development and production of lab safety and compliance training, including training for any new regulatory requirements. Coordinate lab safety training with teaching faculty and principal investigators. Coordinate compliance trainings with the Office of Risk Management. Advise faculty, staff and students on basic biology and/or biochemistry lab safety with possible future expansion into chemical hygiene. Assist with collection and storage of biological waste accumulated for disposal. Manage the annual update process for the institutional Chemical Hygiene Plan. Initiate minor repairs to safety facilities and equipment.

Program Management (20%)

Manage annual testing and certification of fume hoods and biosafety cabinets. Manage databases including the chemical inventory, Safety Data Sheets, and lab safety training. Be the cost-center manager for the Lab Safety & Compliance operating budget. Manage and update content of the College Research & Instruction Safety website. Coordinate meetings and provide other logistical support to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Safety Committee for Research & Instruction (SCRI). Support and serve as backup to the Lab Safety & Compliance Director as needed.

Other Functions

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related field and 3 - 5 years working hands-on in relevant research labs with demonstrated knowledge of lab safety best practices for Biology, Biochemistry and/or Neuroscience.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Neuroscience. Experience with NAGPRA compliance, managing confidential and sensitive information, training students and staff, managing projects, following chemical hygiene best practices, implementing STEAM-related regulatory compliance, collaborative engagement with faculty in support of their scholarship and teaching.

Skills

Strong Microsoft Office skills and capacity to learn other database and on-line form applications. Must be able to maintain confidentiality, work under pressure and be flexible. Must possess strong organizational, learning and communication skills.

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at .

As set forth in our , Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.