The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) provides essential services that enable exceptional research outcomes.
The Laboratory Safety (LS) Group supports research and teaching activities by delivering training, guidance, and compliance assistance in biosafety, chemical safety, general laboratory safety, radiation safety, and laser safety.
This is an onsite position based at the Boston campus, with regular travel to the Medford/Somerville and Grafton campuses. While occasional remote work (up to one day per week) may be permitted, the role is intended to be primarily in person.

The Laboratory Safety Support Officer (LSSO) serves as the first point of contact for expert advice and technical services on general safety matters within the disciplines of public health, occupational safety and health, fire safety, and environmental protection. This role supports faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors, and regulatory agents working in or impacting teaching, education, and training laboratories.

As a generalist, the LSSO provides direct support and collaborates with Lab Safety Specialists in the areas of biosafety, chemical safety, and radiation safety.

Responsibilities include:

Inspections

• Conduct regular laboratory audits and provide recommendations and education to researchers and instructors to maintain safety and compliance.
• Document inspection reports, citations, and resolutions, and present them to the appropriate Supervisor(s) and Committee as needed.

Safety Equipment Testing

• Oversee testing, certification, and repair of fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and other ventilated safety equipment.
• Coordinate services with testing vendors, Facilities Services, and laboratory personnel.

Incident Investigations & Emergency Response

• Investigate laboratory accidents and incidents not assigned to Lab Safety Specialists, documenting findings and recommending preventive actions. Examples include strains, sprains, and lacerations.
• Respond to accidents and incidents (including off-hours) requiring immediate support, such as injuries, illnesses, hazardous material spills/releases, or fires.
• Coordinate with the Incident Commander and Lab Safety Specialists for emergency response and follow-up investigations.

Hazardous Waste Management

• Assist with managing and disposing of hazardous waste (biomedical, including sharps; chemical; controlled substances) generated in laboratories.
• Provide guidance on hazardous waste regulations and policies, inspect for compliance, and manage vendor services for waste pickup and supply delivery.
• Perform autoclave validations and ensure proper recordkeeping.

Special Projects

• Participate in laboratory planning, relocation, and renovation projects.
• Deliver laboratory safety training sessions.
• Assist with risk assessments for laboratory tasks.
• Coordinate laboratory closures, openings, and relocations.
• Respond to general questions and concerns from laboratory staff and provide feedback.
• Perform other relevant laboratory safety duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, one of the life sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a laboratory or related industry (chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research laboratory, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be committed to working as a member of a team.
• Must be familiar with standard laboratory procedures and operations to converse with researchers and provide relevant guidance.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office and standard office software.
• Able to travel between campuses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in chemical hygiene/lab safety strongly preferred.
• 1–3 years of bench experience.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, or other recognized health and safety certifications).
• Progress toward certification or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• Capable of obtaining medical clearance for the use of respiratory protection.
• Strong presentation and technical training skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally work nights, weekends, or holidays for emergency response.

About Tufts University

This is Tufts. Tufts is a student-centered research university with a constellation of world-class schools encompassing undergraduate, graduate, professional, and lifelong learning programs. Across the university, students satisfy their intellectual curiosity, jump-start rewarding careers, and unlock bright, promising futures. Through rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to civic engagement and leadership, our community of students, faculty, and staff collaborate across four Massachusetts campuses to build a brighter world (Medford/Somerville, Grafton, Boston-Chinatown, and Boston-Fenway). Our employees light the way. Tufts develops innovative solutions for the most complex global challenges of our time through teaching, research, and an unparalleled investment in civic engagement. In administration and operations, in dining centers and in labs, every employee plays a role in our mission for a better, brighter world. At Tufts, the work you do matters. So do you. Enjoy flexible and remote opportunities, innovative benefits, and an inclusive, welcoming, collaborative culture that supports you. Develop your skills. Take classes. Advance your career. ...Do work that makes you proud in a community you love. All while taking great care of yourself and the people who matter most. We’re all in on creating an anti-racist culture of belonging. Across Tufts, we’ve deepened our commitment to making the university a truly inclusive place. Where every member of our community contributes and feels like they belong. Where diverse perspectives are seen as our strength, and great ideas are always heard. In offices, labs, classrooms, and beyond, we’re doing this work together, knowing it is the foundation of our mission to create a brighter world. An innovative university needs resourceful people who make things happen. Here, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, colleagues actually care, and community means everything. Sound appealing? Come join us. Choose a campus and find the role that fits you. Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff and fostering their success when hired. Members of underrepresented groups are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. See the University’s Non-Discrimination statement and policy here https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/non-discrimination/. If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, please contact us by calling the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 617-627-3298 or at oeo@tufts.edu. Applicants can learn more about requesting reasonable accommodations at https://oeo.tufts.edu/

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