Sr. Laboratory Safety Specialist

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking a Senior Laboratory Safety Specialist to enhance laboratory safety at the new Hopewell Research Facility. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, conducting safety audits, and developing training programs to ensure a safe research environment.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

• B.S. in relevant field or equivalent experience in laboratory safety.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide EHS services related to laboratory hazards.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational Skills

Education

B.S. in biology

Post graduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SciShield

Enterprise Health

Peoplesoft

Job description

Overview

Princeton University’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office is seeking a knowledgeable and highly motivated Senior Laboratory Safety Specialist to support our comprehensive Laboratory Safety Program, with a focus on operations at the new Hopewell Research Facility (HRF).

In this role, you will collaborate with EHS staff, faculty, researchers, and students to promote a safe research environment through professional EHS services addressing hazardous materials, laboratory equipment, and animal care. You’ll conduct lab surveys, incident investigations, and safety training—often independently—and serve as the primary point of contact for HRF-related safety matters.

You’ll also work closely with the Research Animal Program, Office of Capital Projects, and other stakeholders, supporting inter-campus transport of research materials and contributing your lab safety expertise to lab renovation and relocation projects. This is a dynamic opportunity for someone who is ready to take initiative and make a meaningful impact in the Princeton University research community.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Program Support & Compliance

• Provide environmental health and safety services related to laboratory hazards including chemical, biological, radiological, and animal research.
• Support key safety programs (e.g., laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical safety, hazardous waste, controlled substances).
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations; recommend corrective actions and track remediation.
• Conduct health and safety inspections for lab safety, biosafety, chemical safety, radiation, and animal care.
• Review submissions provided by principal investigators to identify use of controlled substances, infectious agents, uniquely hazardous and other materials, or processes that require special compliance measures.

Transport & Hazardous Shipping

• Support inter-campus transport of research materials and equipment, including review of submissions, documentation, and packaging instructions.
• Prepare hazardous material shipments in accordance with shipping regulations.
• Develop and deliver training on HRF-specific transport processes.

Training & Outreach

• Develop and deliver safety training programs for laboratory personnel and vivarium staff.
• Create and maintain web-based resources and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and serve as a health and safety resource for HRF researchers.
• Maintain active communication with departmental safety representatives and participate in departmental safety committees.

HRF Operations & Liaison Role

• Serve as the primary EHS point of contact for HRF.
• Act as liaison between HRF and various stakeholders including the Research Animal Program (RAP), Office of Capital Projects, and outside contractors.
• Interface with design and logistics teams to support laboratory renovations and relocations.

Incident Response

• Respond to laboratory-related incidents and emergencies.
• Conduct investigations and assist emergency responders as needed.

Administrative Support

• Maintain program data, manage purchase requests, and contribute to EHS newsletters and communications.
• Assist with general administrative and data management tasks.

Qualifications

• B.S. in biology, animal science, chemistry, environmental science, or equivalent training and experience including laboratory work or providing safety services in a laboratory setting.
• Post graduate degree preferred.
• Ability to master computer software (i.e., Microsoft Office, SciShield, Enterprise Health, Peoplesoft).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate orally clearly and effectively to a diverse community of clients. Able to perform public speaking and deliver training to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment and to follow work rules and procedures, and to work independently.
• Good organizational and time management skills and the ability to balance multiple assignments.
• Willingness to work around research animals, chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, and hazardous equipment.
• Medically able to obtain clearance to enter animal holding/use spaces.
• Ability to obtain hazardous materials shipping, RCRA hazardous waste and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) qualification.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (e.g., instruments, self-contained breathing apparatus and waste containers), climb ladders, and wear respiratory protection.
• Valid US driver's license and ability to pass background checks.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

Yes

Experience Level

Associate#LI-ZY1