The Laboratory Safety Advisor is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Harvard University Laboratory Safety Programs on the Longwood Campus. This position is under the supervision of the Associate Director of Lab Safety Services and will perform duties in Laboratory Safety in a multi-disciplinary Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) environment with strong emphasis on research laboratory safety (chemical and biological safety, occupational safety & health, industrial hygiene and radiation protection). The primary purpose of this position is to provide services directly to the clients through field consultations, technical assistance, inspections, training, data collection and analysis. Participates in cross-functional project teams to provide EH&S services to University customers. Responds to emergencies and participates in 24-hour rotational on-call program. This role is eligible for flex-work arrangements in accordance with departmental policies and manager approval.
Safety Integration and Advocacy: Collaborate with laboratory teams to embed safety into daily operations while championing safe work practices aligned with regulatory requirements, best management practices, and University policies. Guide labs in conducting risk assessments, providing recommendations for optimal safety.
Compliance and Review: Execute comprehensive inspections, compliance reviews, and hazard assessments across research laboratories, animal facilities, and support areas. Provide detailed reports, and facilitate corrective actions in partnership with lab personnel, ensuring regulatory adherence and best practice implementation.
Record Keeping and Monitoring: Maintain meticulous records of laboratory inspections and investigations. Ensure the completion of corrective actions.
Training and Development: Assist on creation and review of online trainings covering all aspects of chemical and laboratory safety. As needed or requested, conduct thorough in-person safety training sessions.
Policy Formulation and Code Compliance: Assist in drafting, updating, and implementing policies and procedures related to chemical, biological, and physical hazards in laboratories. Help laboratory departments adhere to state and city fire code requirements, ensuring compliance with maximum allowable quantities per control area.
Emergency Response and Investigation: Support the investigation of laboratory accidents or exposures, contributing to multi-disciplinary EHS programs, including hazard monitoring and protocol development.
Sampling and Hazard Evaluation: Assist in industrial hygiene related sampling as needed, interpret findings, communicate results, and recommend actionable solutions to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Collaboration and Leadership: Lead safety committee meetings and foster a culture of safety through strong, collaborative relationships with EHS staff, Principal Investigators, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
Minimum of 5 years related work experience or equivalent training
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental health and safety in laboratory settings, covering chemical safety, hazardous waste, or relevant research-oriented EHS environments.
Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical issues to diverse stakeholders.
Authorized to work in the US.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, or Certified Industrial Hygienist, or eligibility for certification.
Experience in a university research environment or established EHS program.
Demonstrated relationship-building, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage tasks efficiently in a decentralized, fast-paced setting
Special Requirements:
Participate actively in the EHS Emergency Response Program on a rotating schedule, maintain availability via a cell phone, and respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
Working Conditions
Progress demonstrated towards obtaining professional certification (e.g., CSP, CIH, PE, etc.) is preferred
Working Conditions
Participate in EH&S Emergency Response Team on rotating basis Will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff
Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston
Job Code: P0757P EHS Lab Safety Officer III
Job Function: Environmental Health & Safety
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Environmental Health & Safety
Salary Grade: 057
Department: 103721
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
