Lead the development and maintenance of university-wide lab safety and compliance programs establishing minimum compliance/operational standards for schools and units.
The Associate Director of Lab Safety Services is responsible for providing leadership and senior level technical support to the University in a multi-disciplinary lab safety program. This position oversees the team of Lab Safety Advisors on Harvard’s Cambridge campus and will work with the Director of Lab Safety to lead the management of Lab Safety Services and Programs on all Harvard campuses, including training development and delivery, inspection program oversight and local customer support. This role is eligible for flex-work arrangements in accordance with departmental policies and manager approval.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
- Manages and provides technical support to a team of Lab Safety Advisors to ensure consistent service delivery and compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
- Provides leadership, professional, technical, and mentoring to the program’s administrative and professional staff with a focus on continuous learning. Related duties include career path development, mentorship and coaching, and performance management programs.
- Working with the Lab Safety Director, the Associate Director provides oversight of EHS Laboratory Safety Programs including working with program owners on program assessment, program implementation, and document management. Takes a lead role in enhancing current programs by proactively identifying and assessing areas for improvement and developing a project plan to address needs.
- Oversees lab safety training content development, ensuring that training requirements for lab personnel are communicated, managed and implemented.
- Assists with planning and facilitation of lab safety team meetings, including monthly educational sessions.
- Maintain strong communication plans to ensure that School/ Departmental Environmental Safety Compliance Officers (ESCOs), Principal Investigators, Laboratory Directors, Research Operations Managers, Facility Managers, supervisors, and other University personnel are aware of lab safety and other EHS program requirements. The Associate Director regularly seeks feedback from stakeholders regarding EHS Office service and performance.
- Assures that EHS performance data, reports, and detailed metrics are provided to stakeholders and executive leadership on a regular basis to ensure that laboratory groups as well as University executives are aware of performance and compliance status.
- Works closely with members of the Lab Safety Management Team to assist laboratory clients with strategies for hazard assessment and control.
- Monitors completion of required tasks such as inspections, lab permit/registration renewals, regulatory filings and takes action (with School, EH&S and Labs) to complete in a timely manner.
- Interprets and maintains proficiency in regulations, standards, guidelines and trends in environmental health and safety; anticipates and evaluates their impact on clients; communicates requirements to EH&S colleagues and University clients, as needed.
- Maintains strong collaborative and professional relationships with EHS staff, Principal Investigators, researchers, and clients while actively promoting a culture of safety.
- Assists in management of lab safety budget with Director of Lab Safety.
- The Associate Director coordinates service delivery with key contacts across the University’s lab and research enterprise.
- The Associate Director assists in formulating vision and strategy for Laboratory EHS management. In a collaborative way and in partnership with other relevant EHS leaders, this position plans and implements both a short and long-run strategy and a vision consistent with overall EHS mission, values, and strategic goals. The Associate Director leads and/or participates in various EHS Departmental committees and strategic planning efforts.
Working Conditions:
- Participates in EHS Emergency Response Program on rotating basis (estimated 6 to 7 times per year), as a cross-trained EHS staff member, will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours.
- Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects.
Physical Requirements:
- Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits
- Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment, be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in safety, industrial hygiene, chemistry, environmental science or other related discipline is required.
- Minimum of 8 years related work experience or equivalent training.
- Previous experience managing technical and service-oriented staff.
- Experience managing and growing technical programs.
- Must have collaborative customer service attitude and skills as well as exceptional written and oral communication.
- Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Eligible to work in the US.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Master’s degree and/or professional certification (CIH, CSP, CHMM) strongly preferred. Equivalent combination of education, military, and relevant experience will also be considered.
- Experience working in EHS within an academic organization with a strong research component strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and to influence teams.
- Excellent relationship building, interpersonal, communication, writing, and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to think critically, innovate, solve problems,research effective solutions.
- Must be able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, decentralized environment in a hands-on and proactive manner.
- Ability to turn concepts into action.
Certificates and Licenses:
- Professional certification (e.g., CSP, CHMM, CIH, PE, etc.) is preferred
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Drug Test, CORI, References
Other Information: This position requires being on an on-call emergency rotation, and essential staff personnel.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
