(Senior) Laboratory Safety Specialist

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or [email protected]. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778. 

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting for a Specialist, Laboratory Safety/Senior Specialist, Laboratory Safety for the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department. The Specialist, Laboratory Safety, positions support the Laboratory Safety program within the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department by working to improve laboratory safety work practices through compliance with regulatory requirements.

Specialist, Laboratory Safety

The Specialist works directly with administrators, faculty, laboratory staff, and students to reduce biological and chemical risks and achieve compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.  The position reviews scientific protocols, evaluates laboratory workspaces and procedures, and assists laboratory personnel in correcting deficiencies.  The Specialist presents training and educational materials for laboratory safety training sessions and other forums.  As needed, the position will serve as the Alternate Responsible Official for the University of Nevada, Reno select agent program (bioterrorism agents).  The Specialist may also serve as the University Biosafety Officer, and in that capacity is the institutional authority regarding biosafety issues that do not involve select agents.  The Specialist may assist in coordinating the campus biosafety cabinet certification and maintenance program and coordinating review of biological agent use protocols and other Institutional Biosafety Committee activities.

Senior Specialist, Laboratory Safety (in addition to the above):

The Senior Specialist is responsible for identifying potential risks through assessments and making recommendations and following through to resolution. The Specialist identifies corrective actions and risk mitigation methods and works with laboratory personnel to implement those actions and mitigation methods.  The position develops and presents training and educational materials for laboratory safety training sessions and other forums.  As needed, the position will serve as the Institutional Responsible Official for the University of Nevada, Reno select agent program (bioterrorism agents), or as an Alternate Responsible Official who assists the RO and assumes the RO responsibilities when the RO is absent. The Senior Specialist is responsible for the management of programs and projects as assigned by the Associate Director.

Required Qualifications

**Candidates will be hired at the level comparable to their experience, knowledge, skills and abilities**

Specialist, Laboratory Safety

Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of related work experience; OR a Master’s degree and one (1) year of related work experience required.

Related Professional Experience: Previous experience must include responsibility for chemical and/or biological safety or related.

Senior Specialist, Laboratory Safety

Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years of related professional experience; OR a Master’s degree and two (2) years of related professional experience required.

Related Professional Experience: Experience must include independent assessment of laboratory workplaces and programs that involve recognition of laboratory hazards, evaluation of risks, and development of solutions to reduce risks and achieve regulatory compliance.  Experience must also include management of safety programs and projects or related.

Certification and Licensure

• Nevada Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to meet personal security requirements for approval for access to Tier 1 select agents and to serve as Alternate Responsible Official as specified by the Federal Select Agent Program and the UNR Select Agent Personnel Suitability Assessment Program.

Schedule or Travel Requirements

Occasional travel may be required

Compensation Grade

Specialist, Laboratory Safety – Administrative Faculty B

Senior Specialist, Laboratory Safety – Administrative Faculty C

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select Administrative Faculty by Grade. Salary is based on related education and experience, internal equity and budgets.