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Who we are
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Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and an IBM Quantum One computer - the first university-based quantum computer in the U.S.
Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!
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Job Summary
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The Laboratory Safety Specialist, reporting to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety, is responsible for the oversight and implementation of Rensselaer’s Laboratory Safety Program to support a safe research and teaching environment. The Laboratory Safety Specialist serves as a technical expert in laboratory safety, focusing on the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures, educating the campus community on safe laboratory practices, and assisting laboratory groups in complying with federal, state, and local regulations as well as Institute policies.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- Bachelor’s Degree in discipline related to the duties of the position
- Five years of experience in a laboratory or environmental health and safety, preferably in an academic or research environment
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
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Preferred Qualifications
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- 40 hour HAZWOPER certification
- DOT Hazardous Material Shipping Training Certification
- Experience working in a laboratory role in environmental health and safety, research operations or wet lab research
- Valid NYS Driver’s License
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Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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- Working knowledge of OSHA Laboratory Standard.
- Demonstrated ability to write procedures and plans that specify requirements or work process requirements for handling of hazardous materials or work safety steps.
- Demonstrated ability to identify hazardous materials, package materials for transport and accurately complete a shipping manifest.
- Knowledge of proper procedure for responding to emergencies involving hazardous chemical exposures.
- Ability to provide training to other personnel on Environmental Health and Safety practices and programs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Windows or other technical tools in completing assignments.
- Ability to apply expertise in all the tools or applications used to complete work assignments and training.
- Ability to influence and coordinate laboratory activity across Rensselaer Portfolios, resolve problems in a timely manner, and develop alternate solutions when necessary.
- Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with those who need to know of decisions/actions/problems.
- Ability to modify communication style both formal and informal to match the appropriate level of the audience targeted.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations and scientific guidance, along with perform basic mathematical calculations (percentages, proportions, area, etc.).
Planning, organizing and effective time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Job Duties
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- Engages with Principal Investigators (PIs), Laboratory Supervisors, departments and lab groups to support compliance with relevant regulations and Institute policies. Provides consultation on the safe use of laboratory engineering controls, laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.
- Develops and manages the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Laboratory Safety Review Program. Conducts annual reviews of Institute laboratories, prepares reports, and provides guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs) and Laboratory Supervisors on mitigation actions to address any deficiencies or hazards.
- Provides guidance and leadership during responses to laboratory safety incidents. Responds to such incidents and coordinates established emergency protocols with the Department of Public Safety. Leads incident and near-miss investigations. Determines root causes and recommends corrective actions to mitigate hazards and prevent recurrence.
- Collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Campus Planning and Facilities Design (CP&FD) on laboratory design, renovation and the setup of new or modified research spaces.
- Develops and implements laboratory safety policies, procedures and resources for the campus community. Develops and delivers laboratory safety educational programs and communications for faculty, staff and students to promote a culture of laboratory safety.
- Supports laboratories with commissioning, decommissioning, decontamination and disinfection of chemical and/or biological laboratories and/or laboratory equipment.
- Manages program to ensure on-time calibration and inspection of biological cabinets, fume hoods, lab specific specialty equipment, eyewash stations and emergency showers in campus laboratories.
- Supports other EHS activities, events and programs as determined by the Director, e.g. assist with Chemical Receiving duties, provide backup for chemical approval process, assist with fire safety program.
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Shift
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Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required
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Travel
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Local travel between campus locations only |
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Driving
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Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use
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Starting Salary/Rate
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Expected hiring range: $72,000 - $85,000
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
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Application instructions
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Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
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| Job Posted Date |
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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Total Compensation and Benefits Information
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Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
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Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
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