Laboratory Safety Consultant

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Office of Environmental Health and Safety is seeking a Laboratory Safety Consultant to promote safe, compliant research and teaching across UVA. This role works with faculty, staff, and students to implement best practices in chemical and laboratory safety.

Responsibilities include conducting inspections, guiding chemical inventory management, and supporting training programs. Occasional travel for off-site facilities is expected, and candidates should have a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience in laboratory safety and chemical hygiene.
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and ANSI standards preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine laboratory inspections for compliance with regulatory requirements and university policies.
• Provide guidance on chemical inventory management, hazardous material handling, transport and disposal.
• Investigate laboratory incidents and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in development and maintenance of laboratory safety training materials and resources.
• Occasional travel to inspect off-site facilities and support other EHS programs.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Hazard assessment

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associates with four years’ work experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Laboratory Safety Consultant. This position supports departmental efforts to promote the safe and compliant conduct of research, education and support services across the UVA community. The role is ideal for individuals with laboratory experience and/or a background in science, engineering or a related technical field who are interested in applying their expertise to support research safety in a dynamic academic environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Research Safety, the Laboratory Safety Consultant is a key member of the Chemical and Laboratory Safety team. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted safety partner to faculty, staff, and students by promoting best practices in laboratory safety, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and University policies, and supporting the identification and mitigation of chemical and laboratory hazards. This position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while providing consultation, guidance, and technical support across a wide range of research, teaching, and instructional environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine laboratory inspections and consultations to evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements, university policies, and best practices related to chemical safety, laboratory safety, hazardous waste management, and fire code
• Provide guidance to faculty and laboratory personnel on laboratory relocation and decommissioning procedures, including hazard identification, and hazardous material handling, transport and/or disposal
• Advise laboratory personnel on chemical inventory management and compliance requirements; review inventory data to assess program effectiveness, identify deficiencies and/or gaps, and recommend actions
• Investigate laboratory incidents and develop recommendations for improvement and corrective actions to prevent future incidents and injuries
• Assist in development, maintenance and review of laboratory and chemical safety training programs, resources and website content
• Occasional travel, including overnight stays to inspect off-site research facilities, is required
• Support other Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs and University initiatives including laser hazard assessments, noise monitoring, air quality incident response, emergency support activities and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree; or Associates with four years’ work experience or High School diploma with six years’ work experience
• Licensure: Must have a valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance and at least two years of driving experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Relevant work experience in a laboratory, the health sciences, industry or other technical field
• Experience with hazardous materials
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Work experience at an institution of higher education

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong knowledge of environmental health and safety practices, including applicable regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and ANSI standards. They understand safe laboratory practices, including the use of laboratory equipment, hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The candidate is reliable, detail oriented, and committed to learning and professional growth. They possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and can work effectively with a variety of stakeholders. They are able to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, work independently and as part of a team, and possess strong technical aptitude and keen observational skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position involves active and sedentary tasks. Active tasks during fieldwork include frequent standing, bending, crouching, reaching, occasional ladder climbing and walking for extended periods as a part of inspections and consultations. PPE is required dependent upon task and environment.

Work is conducted in a variety of settings, including offices, research laboratories, makerspaces, patient care areas, animal research facilities, outdoor locations, and other environments where hazardous materials, loud noise, non‑ionizing energy fields, and potentially harmful equipment may be present. Responsibilities may involve potential exposure to laboratory chemicals, radioactive materials, bloodborne pathogens, and other biological hazards. The role requires physical activity, including prolonged walking, standing and movement throughout diverse campus environments.

Hiring Range

Compensation is up to $28.84 per hour ($60,000 annually), commensurate with the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Position Type and Work Location

• This is a Non-Exempt level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. Employees will be required to comply with the Health System’s immunization policy - OCH-002: Occupational Health Screening and Maintenance.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .