University of Southern California · 1 day ago
Research Safety Specialist II
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$76K/yr - $90K/yr
3+ years expThe University of Southern California is seeking a Research Safety Specialist II to assist with the implementation of the University Research Safety program. This role involves conducting comprehensive laboratory, biological, and radiation safety inspections, providing training and technical assistance to the research community, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Leads the development and review of comprehensive safety documentation on research hazards (biological, chemical, radiological), addressing incompatibilities, health impacts, and safe practices
Develops and delivers specialized safety training programs for research personnel and leads the creation of training resources tailored to specific research environments and safety challenges
Provides expertise and consultative support to Principle Investigators (PIs) and researchers in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to lab operations, exposure controls, calibration standards, laser safety, contamination prevention, emergency response, and safe close-out practices
Collaborates closely with research labs to proactively assess safety needs, identify compliance gaps, and lead the implementation of advanced safety programs that address complex operational requirements
Collaborates with the Laboratory Safety Program Manager to assist in the management and maintenance of the inspection program(s)
Leads and conducts thorough research safety inspections and audits, including bio, lab, and radiation inspections (annual/biannual), high-hazard lab inspections (biannual), controlled substance inspections (annual), and targeted inspections of labs requiring focused oversight. Documents findings and oversees corrective action plans to address any identified compliance issues
Directs the development and strategic implementation of safety programs to ensure alignment with university and regulatory standards. Establishes, documents, and communicates safety protocols, guidelines, and procedures, with authority to manage and oversee technically complex safety programs independently. This may include supervision of student worker(s)
Provides advanced technical guidance and expert recommendations to PIs, lab personnel, and students to ensure rigorous safety and regulatory compliance across diverse research settings
Leads the creation and management of educational resources, including fact sheets, web content, and publications on complex safety and regulatory topics to support University-wide safety knowledge and awareness
Leads investigation and documentation of research safety incidents and formulates actionable recommendations and preventative measures in response to incident findings
Provides emergency on-call coverage and response as required (nominally two weeks per year as primary and two weeks per year as secondary responder)
Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned to support departmental and institutional safety goals
Qualification
Required
Bachelors of Science degree in biology, chemistry, virology, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training
3 years
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications
Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel
Ability to maintain data and records
Proven ability to work independently and manage own schedule, as well as being able to act as part of a team, where appropriate, for completing tasks
Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time constraints
Thorough written and verbal communication skills, including skill to write clear and concise technical reports
Prior experience of leading a project (or a significant subunit of a larger project) from conception to successful implementation, and/or experience of playing a significant role in the management of a program
Preferred
Master's degree in biology, chemistry, virology, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training
Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Ability to evaluate the workplace situations for safe handling, storage, use, or disposal of biohazardous and other hazardous materials
Ability to develop a strong rapport with academic personnel to thoroughly evaluate research projects and develop creative solutions to unique and often complex problems
Experience in designing, developing, and presenting training programs to individuals and groups. Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required, including use of a variety of computer programs and applications
Knowledge of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for biosafety as they apply to infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and Bloodborne pathogens
Company
University of Southern California
University of Southern California is a private research university offering opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Southern California has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (253)
2024 (239)
2023 (172)
2022 (207)
2021 (182)
2020 (195)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.64MKey Investors
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research InstituteCalifornia Institute for Regenerative MedicineCDA Foundation
2025-02-04Grant· $10.8M
2025-01-30Grant· $5.93M
2024-07-30Grant
Leadership Team
David A Barnhart
Director, USC Space Engineering Research Center
H
Hossein Pourmand
Assistant Vice President, Research Initiatives, University Advancement
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