Site HSE Specialist

Summary

This role is a Program Lead for designated occupational health programs across the Durham campus. This role will support implementation of robust HSE programs to ensure the protection of associates and the environment, as well as adherence to all external regulations and internal HSE standards/policies. In addition, this role will contribute to a strong, proactive, and enabling HSE culture for the campus’s overall GTx/LMO/ADP operations.

About the Role

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and continuously enhance Occupational Health programs to ensure a safe, compliant, and high-performing work environment across the campus.
• Act as Biological Safety Officer, safeguarding employees and operations through rigorous risk assessment, controls, and training for biological materials.
• Enable safe innovation by partnering on change management and ensuring robust HSE impact assessments, risk evaluations, and control readiness for new operations and technology transfers.
• Design and deliver impactful HSE training programs to build knowledge, capability, and a strong culture of safety across employees and contractors.
• Drive proactive risk management through site inspections, incident investigations, and implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead safety committees to strengthen engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement in HSE performance.
• Support emergency preparedness and response programs, ensuring readiness and resilience across the site.
• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and Novartis standards, embedding best practices to meet and exceed compliance expectations.
• Serve as a trusted Subject Matter Expert during regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring transparency and excellence in HSE practices.
• Champion a culture of safety and care, empowering all associates to contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and high-performing workplace.

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years of HSE program development/management experience in a manufacturing/laboratory environment preferably within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
• Professional HSE certification (e.g. RBP, CIH) or desire to attain them is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in biological and chemical risk assessments, as well as development/management of robust risk control programs.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for collaboration, creativity in problem solving, flexibility, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective multi-tasker with ability to plan, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks with high quality as part of a high-paced work environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing regulations and requirements in conjunction with the delivery of effective HSE programs.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600.00 and $166,400.00 annually

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on novartis.com call Show phone number and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on novartis.com or call Show phone number and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call Show phone number and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.