Southern Methodist University · 1 month ago
Laboratory Safety Manager (HR Title: Safety Specialist II)
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expSouthern Methodist University is seeking a Laboratory Safety Manager to lead research and laboratory safety programs within the Office of Risk Management. The role involves managing safety systems, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations to protect people and the environment.
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Responsibilities
Serve as the University Chemical Hygiene Officer and maintain the Chemical Hygiene Plan in accordance with the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Provide technical guidance to develop and implement standard operating procedures and hazard assessments, set criteria for control measures, and establish and deliver laboratory safety training
Lead the laboratory inspection program. Document findings, assign corrective and preventive actions, and verify closure and effectiveness. Manage the research safety system used for inspections, training assignments, chemical and equipment inventories, and compliance records. Keep safety data complete and current to support internal reviews and external inspections
Serve as the institutional Biological Safety Officer. Align work with NIH Guidelines and the BMBL. Support IBC protocol reviews, manage biosafety training, biological waste coordination, and autoclave compliance. Support the IACUC by providing laboratory safety input on animal use protocols. Represent EHS on these committees, as needed
Manage the hazardous and universal waste programs in compliance with applicable requirements. Collect and consolidate compatible hazardous wastes, manage accumulation areas, coordinate pickups, hazmat shipments, and train waste generators on environmental compliance and best practices. Support spill response and cleanup
Plan and perform exposure assessments for chemicals, vapors, and noise where applicable. Perform laboratory air monitoring for chemical contaminants using validated methods, maintain calibration for instruments, and verify engineering controls such as fume hoods and local exhaust meet performance criteria. Translate results into prioritized control measures. Provide EHS input on laboratory design and renovation to specify ventilation and containment requirements
Support the Laser Safety and Radiation Safety program leads by supporting hazard evaluations and corrective actions, maintaining registration and inventories for lasers and radiation-producing devices, and assisting with license or registration documentation, user authorizations, training assignments, and incident support
Lead investigations of laboratory incidents, exposures, and near misses. Document and assign findings with corrective/preventive actions. Communicate lessons learned with departments and leadership. Provide metrics for tracking, trending, and reporting to the AVP/CRO for institutional and compliance needs
Define participation criteria for the medical surveillance and respiratory protection programs. Coordinate medical evaluations and clearances, perform fit testing, and maintain appropriate records
Collaborate with and support the Office of Risk Management on injury case reviews, campus event operations, safety guidance, and culture-building initiatives that reduce total risk across the University
Other duties as assigned, including 24-hour emergency response as necessary. Maintain a valid driver's license in accordance with the university's fleet policy if driving a university vehicle
This position requires availability to respond to incidents at any time; although rare, call-ins may occur at night, on weekends, holidays, or during scheduled time off
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience coordinating safety programs in laboratory or research settings within higher education or comparable environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Strong written communication skills
Ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels across the institution and external partners
Ability to multitask and balance day-to-day responsibilities with project work
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions
Strong organizational, planning and time management skills
Availability to respond to incidents at any time; although rare, call-ins may occur at night, on weekends, holidays, or during scheduled time off
Maintain a valid driver's license in accordance with the university's fleet policy if driving a university vehicle
Preferred
Certifications such as CIH, CSP, or CHMM
Experience with database-support software or web design
A solid understanding of organizational operations and supporting infrastructure
Benefits
Health and related benefits
Health, dental, and vision plans
Wellness programs
Retirement programs
Professional and personal development opportunities
Tuition benefits
Company
Southern Methodist University
SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located near the heart of Dallas.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Southern Methodist University 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 (51)
2024 (39)
2023 (35)
2022 (26)
2021 (17)
2020 (20)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$101.8MKey Investors
Phillips FoundationTexas Workforce CommisionMoody Foundation
2023-06-14Grant· $1.7M
2022-07-07Grant· $0.1M
2019-11-12Grant· $100M
Leadership Team
Lisa Nelson
Adjunct Professor
Michael Hites
Chief Information Officer
Recent News
2025-12-28
Dallas Innovates
2025-12-12
Dallas Morning News
2025-11-07
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