Director-Research Safety

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Description

To provide leadership and oversight to the research safety group of UAB Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). To develop, implement and oversee programs, policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work and study environment for the UAB research areas.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

* Leads, designs, and manages the implementation of UAB's Research Safety Program, encompassing Biosafety, Laboratory Chemical & Physical Safety, and Radiation Safety Programs. Works collaboratively with EH&S program leaders, staff, and the academic community to identify, assess, and mitigate radiological, biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

* Provides oversight and guidance to leaders of the Biosafety, Laboratory & Chemical Safety and Radiation Safety Programs regarding issues that require escalation as well as productivity and personnel issues.

* Cultivates strategic partnerships within and beyond UAB EH&S to advance research safety initiatives. Maintains active collaboration and engagement with academic leaders, researchers, and peers across the university.

* Designs, implements, manages, and evaluates research safety programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with review requirements. Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular performance reports to the Executive Director of EH&S.

* Partners with national peers to establish, enhance, and uphold a national reputation for best practices in research compliance programs. Actively participates in regional and national professional associations.

* Oversees the creation and delivery of training for laboratory-related topics; laboratory incident investigations and lessons learned; and develops/revises and delivers integrated laboratory safety programs and services.

* Serves on the Research Safety Compliance Programs (including the Biosafety Program or IBC, which includes Dual Use Research of Concern, IACUC, Radiation Safety, Laser Safety, SEBLAB).

* Stays updated on relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards. Advises UAB EH&S leadership on the impact of legislative and regulatory changes affecting research and collaborates with program leaders to develop strategies for compliance.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Leadership:

Oversees employees typically engaged in similar tasks or work.

* Occasionally performs the tasks of those under supervision.

* Holds HR responsibilities for direct reports (consults with manager or director).

* Offers input for budget preparation.

Leads the department as the first-line manager.

* Distributes resources based on priorities and budget constraints.

* Holds HR responsibilities for direct reports.

* Collaborates with the Director on operational matters, including fiscal issues.

Manages functional area managers.

* Usually reports to a Director.

* Oversees complex and diverse tasks.

* Holds significant budgetary and expenditure authority.

* Formulates and proposes policies for the department or program.

* Assumes substantial HR responsibilities for staff.

Accountable for one or more departments or programs.

* Usually reports to a senior executive officer (e.g., VP).

* Directs exempt/professional and/or non-exempt employees.

* Oversees intricate and diverse tasks.

* Assumes complete budget responsibilities for respective department(s) or program(s).

* Recommends and authorizes policy implementation for the department or program.

* Holds complete HR responsibility for staff direct reports.

Independent Judgement/Problem Solving:

* Develops strategic goals, plans, and policies for a specific area of responsibility. Sets broad objectives and is responsible for overall results. Has the authority to make independent decisions on significant matters. Requires a high degree of independent judgment and problem-solving for complex issues.

Customer Service Relationships:

* Predicts customer needs and motivates others to provide excellent service. Handles sensitive issues and ensures problem resolution. Sets customer service standards and establishes feedback systems for improvement. Holds themselves accountable for service excellence.

STARTING ANNUAL RATE OF PAY: $89,880.00 - $135,000.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Hygiene, Environmental or Occupational Health Science, Chemistry, Microbiology or a related field and seven (7) years of related experience is required. Work experience may NOT substitute for educational requirement.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

* Demonstrated understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, and physical safety protocols.

* In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIH).

* Understanding of occupational safety and health principles and applications, with demonstrated ability to direct and conduct effective quantitative and qualitative exposure/ risk assessments for complex laboratory/research operations.

* Broad knowledge of methods for developing and delivering safety training tailored to campus research settings

* Ability to lead teams, manage staff, and drive campus-wide safety initiatives.

* Broad knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, consensus standards, and current developments related to the responsible conduct of research.

* Strong critical-thinking skills to resolve safety challenges and adapt to emerging risks in a research environment.

PERSONAL: Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator, bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and sitting at computer for long periods of time.

For full consideration, please be certain application and resume showcase all related experience as it relates to the job announcement, and please list all certifications and/or licenses, if applicable. Work experience should showcase successful progression in responsibilities and demonstrated leadership skills. Incomplete job profiles will not be processed.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities.