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JOB TITLE
Associate Director of Laboratory Safety

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Environmental Health & Safety

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Laboratory Safety at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a pivotal leadership role within the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team, dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and compliance across all laboratory environments. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive laboratory safety programs, including chemical hygiene, laser safety, and hazardous waste management. The Associate Director will work collaboratively with various departments to ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, and to promote best practices in laboratory safety. This role involves strategic planning, policy development, and hands on management to ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship are maintained, thereby supporting the Institute's commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. The Associate Director of Laboratory Safety reports directly to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety and plays a crucial role in upholding the Institute's reputation for safety and regulatory compliance.

WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This is a full on-site position.

The salary range for this position is $90,015 - $100,000, depending on experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the University Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), overseeing and ensuring the implementation of comprehensive laboratory safety and chemical hygiene plans, policies, and procedures across the university. Conduct comprehensive hazard assessments in laboratory settings to identify potential risks. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure a safe working environment. Create and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory activities, focusing on safety and compliance. Provide regular training to faculty, staff, and students on laboratory safety practices and chemical handling. Develop and revise laboratory safety policies to align with current best practices and regulatory requirements. Organize and lead routine laboratory safety committee meetings to discuss safety issues, progress, and continuous improvement strategies. Facilitate regular staff meetings to ensure alignment of the team on safety protocols and procedures. Collaborate with other departments and external agencies as necessary to enhance laboratory safety.
• Manages all aspects of the Laser Safety Program and serves as the University Laser Safety Officer (LSO). Conduct regular audits and assessments of laser facilities and operations to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Develop and implement laser safety policies and procedures, including safe use guidelines, hazard analysis, and control measures. Provide specialized training and certification programs for faculty, staff, and students who operate or work near laser equipment. Maintain an inventory of all laser equipment and ensure proper classification and labeling of lasers as per regulatory requirements. Investigate laser-related incidents or near-misses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Serve as the primary point of contact for laser safety information, providing expert advice and guidance to the university community. Collaborate with researchers and faculty to assess new laser technologies and applications for safety implications. Stay updated with the latest developments in laser technology and safety regulations to ensure the university's practices are current.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with environmental health and safety regulations and university policies. Develop and implement a comprehensive inspection and auditing program covering all laboratory, workshop, and research facilities. Schedule and conduct routine and surprise inspections to assess compliance with safety standards and regulations. Review and analyze audit findings to identify trends, areas of non-compliance, and opportunities for improvement. Work closely with department heads and laboratory managers to address and rectify identified issues. Prepare detailed audit reports, including recommendations for corrective actions and follow-up measures. Monitor the implementation of corrective actions to ensure they are effective and completed in a timely manner. Develop and maintain an audit checklist and update it regularly to reflect changes in regulations and university policies. Train and guide other EHS staff members in conducting effective inspections and audits. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and compliance through proactive engagement and education.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training and education programs in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, laser safety, and hazardous waste management. Design and implement a variety of training programs tailored to different audiences, including researchers, faculty, staff, and students. Keep training materials up-to-date with the latest safety standards, regulations, and best practices. Conduct regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars on topics such as chemical handling, emergency response, laser safety, and waste disposal. Utilize a blend of training methods, including in-person sessions, online modules, and hands-on demonstrations, to cater to diverse learning styles. Collaborate with department heads and supervisors to identify specific training needs and develop specialized modules as required. Monitor and track participation in training programs, ensuring compliance with mandatory training requirements. Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback surveys, quizzes, and practical assessments. Regularly review and update training content to reflect changes in regulations, university policies, and industry best practices. Engage with external experts and organizations to bring in specialized knowledge and resources for advanced training topics. Foster a culture of safety and continuous learning within the university community.
• Respond to emergency situations, participate in on-call rotation, ability to don respirator and other personal protection equipment, provide technical support to outside responders, assess dangerous situations, and respond appropriately. Assist in maintaining a database to record incidents and corrective actions. Maintain respiratory certification annually.

Requirements:

• B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience working in research laboratory, safety department, or environmental compliance.
• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Must be able to obtain IATA and DOT hazardous materials shipping certifications.
• Must be able to lift up to 55 pounds to shoulder height.

Please include a cover letter along with a resume for consideration.

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Associate-Director-of-Laboratory-Safety_R0002668

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.