Exempt - Full Time

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is seeking an experienced health and safety leader to manage the Laboratory Chemical & Physical Safety Program at Stanford University. Reporting to the Director of Research Safety, this position manages chemical and physical safety issues related to research and laboratory teaching activities, in concert with the Biosafety & Biosecurity and Health Physics programs. The position manages a team responsible for the administration of several key programs including the Chemical Hygiene Program, Hazardous Materials Program, and the Research Safety Advisor Program. The purpose of the group is to support the academic community to: assess and control chemical and physical hazards; manage projects related to the implementation of controls for higher hazard processes; create and deliver training for laboratory-related topics; conduct laboratory incident investigations and lessons learned; and provide guidance and job aids to units in their local implementation of safety and compliance requirements. 

This position is expected to take a leadership role in support of efforts to advance a strong laboratory safety culture across disciplines. This requires productive collaboration with the Director of Research Safety, supporting the integration of safety functions to keep pace with rapidly changing laboratory research objectives and clinical research needs. To achieve the successful delivery of research safety, close coordination with affiliated units within EH&S including the Occupational Health Center, Stanford Fire Marshal’s Office, Strategic Initiatives, Emergency Management, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Protection Programs, Digital Services, and the Deputy Director, is essential. 

In addition to providing routine EH&S program management services, staff are to provide support as needed during University emergencies. All EH&S staff must comply with governmental regulations, and University and departmental policies and procedures regarding health and safety and must observe and support good health and safety practices.

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for the management of the Laboratory Chemical & Physical Safety programs, strategy, and staff activities along with related organizational performance standards to support the university’s mission. 

Job Code: 4387
Grade Level: M

Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description

CORE DUTIES*:

• Design, develop, and oversee the implementation of the Laboratory Chemical & Physical Safety Program and allocate appropriate staffing and other resources to achieve the objectives. 
• Develop capabilities of staff.
• In conjunction with Director of Research Safety, maintain and control of their unit’s financial budgets.
• Advise EH&S leadership of legislative agendas and ramifications for research safety; develop appropriate strategy to address situation. 
• Conduct technical and business briefings related to laboratory chemical and physical safety for senior management.
• Direct and manage strategic relationships both inside and outside of Stanford University in regards to laboratory chemical & physical safety; maintain a high level of interaction and collaboration with clients and research and academic safety peers across the university. Build relationships with key vendors.
• Represent the university as the designated senior safety officer on matters related to laboratory chemical and physical safety when mandated by regulatory requirements

* Other duties may also be assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in arts/science in related allied/scientific field and seven years of progressively responsible experience in occupational safety management and compliance. 

Preferred: 

• A combination of one or more certifications: Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Three years in a leadership role in an academic/research environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of occupational safety and health principles and applications, with demonstrated ability to direct and conduct effective quantitative and qualitative exposure/ risk assessments for complex laboratory/research operations.
• Broad knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, consensus standards, and current developments related to the responsible conduct of research.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences including faculty, students, staff, and representatives of regulatory agencies; ability to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate strong and collaborative relationships inside EH&S, across campus, and externally on matters related to research safety.
• Demonstrated mentoring/coaching expertise of junior, mid-level, and senior staff.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary EH&S teams in laboratory chemical & physical safety.
• Must be flexible, adaptable, open to change, and maintain a positive attitude, particularly during stressful periods and while addressing challenging situations.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to the use of technology to enhance laboratory safety services.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with external regulatory agencies.
• Ability to lead professionally in emergency/crisis laboratory situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Frequently stand, sit, and perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand. 
• Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach/work above shoulder, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, write by hand, sort and file paperwork or parts, operate foot and/or hand controls, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
• Ability to maintain a valid non-commercial California Driver’s license.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments.
• May rarely be exposed to high voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise >80dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals /asbestos, or heavy metals
• May rarely work in confined spaces or at heights ≥10 feet.

WORK STANDARDS:

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4387
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: M