Research Safety Specialist

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at Stanford University is the principal health and safety office at Stanford University. We support and advance the teaching, learning and research activities at Stanford by promoting a safe and healthy campus environment. Our mission is to provide and coordinate programs and services that minimize safety, health, environmental, and regulatory risks in a manner consistent with fiscal and environmental stewardship. We are comprised of 9 technical groups with more than 50 specialists who work in the field with top researchers, faculty, staff, and students to support the mission and research of Stanford University. The work environment is team-oriented, collaborative, deadline-driven, and dynamic.

In addition to providing routine EH&S program services, our staff provides support as needed during university emergencies. All EH&S staff are to comply with governmental regulations and University policies and procedures regarding health and safety and are expected to serve as strong models and advocates for research health and safety. 

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.   We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

The Research Safety Specialist will serve as an EH&S liaison to assigned coverage areas and develop EH&S Laboratory Safety programs, focusing on establishing baseline standard safety procedures. Working as a member of the Lab Safety team, you will implement or maintain pre-established Lab Safety programs to assist faculty, staff and students with overall safety and health, such as the Chemical Hygiene Program, Hazardous Material Program, and Lab Safety Coordinator Program. If you see yourself work closely with the research and teaching laboratories to provide health and safety support for research design, problem solving, identification and promulgation of best practices, training, and compliance assistance, then this may be the career opportunity for you!

In this role, you will:

• Develop, implement, and maintain programs, systems, and procedures necessary to ensure the overall safety and health of employees and the community.
• May develop and conduct employee and student training, emergency preparedness activities, and/or assurance and accreditation programs.
• Identify, assess, and monitor workplace hazards (including but not limited to, chemical, physical, biological, and radiological) that could be present in the work area; remediate hazards, and/or recommend improvements to minimize hazard potential.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, injuries, and complaints concerning potential hazards or unsafe conditions in the workplace.
• Recommend improvements in processes, design, procedures, and operating equipment to minimize hazard potential.
• Provide technical advice and university interpretation of various government regulations and university policies; maintain working knowledge of specific government regulations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in arts/science in related allied/scientific field and three years progressively responsible experience in occupational safety and health, emergency response/management, environmental science, and/or allied/scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct effective health and safety surveys, quantitative and qualitative exposure/risk assessments, and data analyses; ability to provide recommendations for exposure/risk control.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse audiences; ability to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of and interpret specific government agency requirements (statutes, regulations, licenses, and permits) and university policies.
• Working knowledge of the scientific and technical aspects of various regulatory requirements and potential impact on assigned work area(s).

Desired expertise includes:

• Experience in safety engineering, process safety, systems safety, or related areas.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or similar credentials.
• Scientific background to enable technical discussions with researchers in multiple disciplines.
• Willingness to participate in an iterative design process, coupled with an appreciation of feedback, to engage in regular process improvement and solution-driven thinking.

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:

• 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 .

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.