Director of Research Safety

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia seeks a Director of Research Safety to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the university's research safety programs across campuses. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage chemical and radioactive material oversight, and drive safety policy development and training.

The role reports to senior leadership, oversees regulatory compliance, chairs institutional safety committees, and partners with emergency and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years supervisory.
• Strong knowledge of chemical, radiation, and laser safety.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex regulatory concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety programs across campus research activities and ensure compliance with federal/state regulations.
• Oversee budgeting and resource allocation for the Research Safety unit.
• Develop and deliver training on chemical, radiation, and laser safety; chair safety committees.

Skills

Research safety

Hazardous materials

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Emergency preparedness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Chemical inventory tools

Data reporting

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15940P

Working Title: Director of Research Safety

Department: VPR-Research Safety

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, additional hours may be required when on call

Advertised Salary: $90,000-$104,000; Commensurate with experience.

Posting Date: 10/21/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Health & Safety Manager

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications: None

Position Summary: The Director of Research Safety provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University of Georgia's research safety programs, ensuring the safe, compliant, and responsible conduct of research across all campuses. This position leads a multidisciplinary team, manages chemical and radioactive material oversight, and directs the development and implementation of safety policies, systems, and training that support UGA's research enterprise. Serving as a key advisor to senior leadership, the Director oversees regulatory compliance, chairs and supports institutional safety committees, and maintains critical partnerships with emergency personnel and external agencies. The role also manages unit budgeting and resource allocation, advances technology and data systems that strengthen safety operations, and fosters a collaborative, solutionoriented culture grounded in ethical leadership, clear communication, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and or Competencies

• Knowledge of research safety principles, including chemical, radiation, and laser safety.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to research safety and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of emergency preparedness requirements and incident response frameworks.
• Ability to establish goals, monitor performance, and ensure accountability.
• Ability to have clear, accessible communication of complex regulatory concepts.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations in a practical, research-supportive manner.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with researchers, administrators, and emergency partners.
• Ability to oversee training development and delivery for diverse research audiences.
• Ability to represent the university professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Competency in leadership, supervision, and team development.
• Competency in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial stewardship in a university setting.
• Competency with safety management systems, chemical inventory tools, and data/reporting practices.
• Competency in project management, organization, and systems implementation.
• Competency in program evaluation, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Competency in making informed decisions in urgent or high-risk situations.

Physical Demands

• Participate in an occupational health and safety program and wear a respirator, pass a physical fitness medical evaluation, and lift at least 50 lbs. above the head.
• Driving to perform job-related duties.

Position Details

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties and Responsibilities – Leadership, Supervision, and Unit Management

• Recruits, supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, including Senior Safety and Compliance Officers, while supporting their development as supervisors and subject matter experts.
• Using UGA's approved performance process, conducts annual evaluations that include robust dialogue to strengthen direct reports' competencies, proactively identify their barriers, and help them provide effective performance evaluations for their staff.
• Monitors and updates job descriptions for direct reports as necessary.
• Leads monthly staff meetings, communicates administrative and strategic updates, and prioritizes accessibility to staff.
• Promptly addresses escalated personnel and operational issues using effective conflict management practices.
• Establishes unit goals and milestones, monitors progress and takes accountability for unit outcomes.
• Serves as the primary liaison with senior administration and the central research office.
• Assumes supervisory responsibilities during staffing shortages or periods of increased workload, and exercises sound judgment in task delegation, space allocation and operational leadership.
• Demonstrates strong professional judgment and discernment, including respect for established decision-making hierarchies.
• Fosters a positive, ethical, and solution-oriented culture through effective leadership and communication.

Percentage of time: 30%

Duties and Responsibilities – Chemical and Radioactive Material Oversight

• Oversees the inventory control and safe use of chemicals and radioactive materials on all of UGA's campuses.
• Maintains expertise in chemical and radioactive material hazards and acquires additional knowledge as needed to address emerging risks.
• Manages and evaluates the Chemical Safety Plan (CSP) program and implements continuous improvement.

Percentage of time: 25%

Duties and Responsibilities – Technology, Systems, and Data Management

• Oversees office electronic systems, including system selection, implementation, vendor management, and contract renewals/updates.
• Develops a working knowledge of office IT system functionality.
• Partners with IT units to implement enhancements and ensure ongoing system maintenance.
• Keeps pace with emerging workplace technologies and evaluates opportunities to enhance office operations.
• Provides timely expertise and conflict resolution for escalated emails and chats.

Percentage of time: 15%

Duties and Responsibilities – Regulatory Compliance, Safety Programs, and Committee Engagement

• Advises university leadership and researchers on regulatory compliance and safety matters.
• Maintains professional credentials and subject matter expertise, monitoring and communicating regulatory and industry change to university stakeholders.
• Develops, delivers, and approves training and guidance on chemical, radiation, and laser safety.
• Oversees Research Safety Committee administration, serving as a voting member, and ensuring follow-through on committee recommendations.
• Implements and administers research safety policies and guidance while minimizing operational burden on researchers.
• Reviews and approves unit guidance and best practices.

Percentage of time: 10%

Duties and Responsibilities – Emergency Preparedness, External Partnerships, and Institutional Representation

• Leads response efforts for significant chemical and radiation incidents, providing onsite expertise to emergency personnel and leadership.
• Provides leadership to the Programs for Research, Environmental Health and Safety (PREHS) team through regular participation and expert guidance and represents the Office of Research on university committees and institutional initiatives.
• Maintains emergency preparedness information, coordinates required emergency training and fosters relationships with campus and community responders.
• Serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal agencies as requested.
• Maintains professional certifications, communicates regulatory changes, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and standards through practical guidance and training.

Percentage of time: 10%

Duties and Responsibilities – Budgeting, Resource Allocation, and Advocacy

• Advocates for the Office of Research Safety with senior leadership.
• Develops annual budget requests and manages unit expenditures to remain within approved allocations, ensuring funds are used responsibly to support unit priorities.
• Oversees the use of unit-assigned university vehicles and compliance with rules of use.
• Negotiates and approves any unit fee for service project.

Percentage of time: 10%