Research Safety Specialist (Phoenix)

Position HighlightsResearch Laboratory & Safety Services (RLSS) at the University of Arizona is in search of a Research Safety Specialist (Phoenix). The Research Safety Specialist supports aspects of the chemical, biological, radiation, and industrial hygiene safety programs for the University of Arizona Research Enterprise, based in Phoenix and surrounding areas. This position primarily supports the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, but may also support U of A locations broadly within Maricopa County.

This position supports regulatory compliance and protects, promotes, and advocates for the health and safety of U of A research personnel, and serves as a member of the integrated group of technical professionals (IGTP). The prospective employee must have the proper combination of education, certification, training, and work experience to help facilitate a safe and compliant work and learning environment for research and academic communities.

Welcome to the University of Arizona Research Laboratory & Safety Services:

Research Laboratory & Safety Services assists, monitors, and provides oversight to ensure that federal, state, local, and University of Arizona regulations and policies are implemented in a safe and secure manner. We are a service-oriented department committed to professionalism through friendly and helpful interactions.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities:

• Inspect University research laboratories, teaching laboratories and hazardous material facilities for compliance with applicable regulations, codes, hygiene practices, and workplace safety rules. Assess anticipated and existing hazards by reviewing documents, conducting measurements, calculations, and interviews. Communicate suspected and known hazards to Principle Investigators (PIs), faculty, staff, and students to mitigate hazards in the laboratory.
• Lead in development and maintenance of research safety program operational documents: Hygiene Plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, forms, documents, signs, labels, metrics, and website content. Supports surveillance and coordination efforts relevant to managing unique regulated materials to include: Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards & Export Administration Regulations/International Traffic in Arms Regulations material reporting, chemical assessments, review of anti-neoplastic drug & particularly hazardous compound/drug use in animal research protocols, controlled substance registration, licensed explosive material licensure, high toxicity compressed gas ordering, biological hazardous and/or recombinant materials, safeguarding radioactive materials of increased concern, and providing exposure monitoring/radiation dosimetry.
• Provide RLSS services, including but not limited to:
• Respirator fit testing and training, occupational audiometry and training, sealed source and other radioactive materials and machines surveys, radioanalytical surveys and analysis, safety committee support and reviews.
• Lead or be point on special tasks, projects, and trainings assigned by RLSS leadership. Participate in development of posters and /or presentations to be presented at relevant conferences, symposiums, workshops, etc. Support response and remediation efforts for spills, abandoned hazardous materials, suspected regulated material exposures, and other regulated hazardous materials.
• Additional duties may be assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• General knowledge of laboratory and other workplace safety requirements with the ability to review and understand federal, state, local, and university safety requirements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent understanding of Microsoft Office platform.
• Ability to work independently and with a remote team.
• Able to wear respiratory protective equipment, hearing protective devices, and other cumbersome personal protective equipment (PPE).
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree life sciences, engineering, chemistry, public health, or related field or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in life sciences, engineering, chemistry, public health, or related field.
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or similar certification.
  
  

FLSAExemptFull Time/Part TimeFull TimeNumber of Hours Worked per Week40Job FTE1.0Work CalendarFiscalJob CategoryProtection and SafetyBenefits EligibleYes - Full BenefitsRate of Pay$65,687 - $85,393Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)Grade9Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.Grade Range Minimum$65687Grade Range Midpoint$85393Grade Range Maximum$105099Career Stream and LevelPC2Job FamilyEnvironmental Health & SafetyJob FunctionProtection & SafetyType of criminal background check required:Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)Number of Vacancies1Target Hire DateExpected End DateContact Information for CandidatesMaggie Murphy [email protected]Open Date2/13/2025Open Until FilledYesDocuments Needed to ApplyResume and Cover LetterSpecial Instructions to ApplicantDiversity StatementAt the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [email protected].