Research Safety Specialist II

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Safety Manager, the Research Safety Specialist ll will assist with the implementation of the university research safety program and will perform comprehensive laboratory, biological, and radiation safety inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and provides training and technical and safety-related regulatory assistance to the research community.

Job Responsibilities Include: 

• Conducts field audits for compliance to program regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follows-up, as required.

• Develops and implements safety program(s) to meet university and regulatory requirements. Establishes, documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures.

• Assesses existing program(s) for adequacy and regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications, as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to safety and health.  Ensures that program design(s) reflect the most recent standards and regulations.

• Develops and delivers client training for assigned safety program(s).

• Assisting Principal Investigators and researchers in the development of lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) as they relate to lab operations, experimental procedures, exposures, calibrations, lasers, contamination surveys, close outs etc.

• Assists with shipping, receipt, storage and control of radioactive materials.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

• Assisting in protocols review.

• Develops and coordinates emergency response procedures. Responds to emergency calls or events and ensures that proper safety methods and procedures are followed. Prepares report(s), as required.

• Maintains program-specific statistical records and administrative paperwork. Prepares reports, as requested or required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

• 3 years combined education/experience.

• Science education/Directly related experience.

• Thorough knowledge / understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge / understanding of all EH&S fields.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications.

• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to maintain data and records. Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to tailor delivery to varied audiences.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints.

• Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to write clear and concise technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree

• Additional experience in lieu of Master's degree

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $76,177 - $90,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

As an equal opportunity employer, USC values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The work culture thrives on mutual respect, trust, and synergy amongst all of its members. Please review the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Plan page for more details regarding your rights and obligations as a job candidate.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Science education/Directly related experience