SHE Manager - Research and Animal Safety

SHE Manager – Research and Animal Safety

Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States

Work Arrangement: Onsite in Gaithersburg, MD to provide leadership for research laboratory, animal care, and site safety operations.

Introduction to Role

Are you ready to lead safety, health, environment, and animal research safety programs in a complex scientific environment? As SHE Manager – Research and Animal Safety, you will provide strategic leadership and comprehensive management of SHE programs that protect people, animals, research operations, and the environment while enabling compliant, high-quality scientific work.

This senior role is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving laboratory and animal safety programs across R&D operations. Working with minimal supervision, you will partner across functions to identify risk, strengthen regulatory compliance, influence stakeholders, and embed practical safety solutions aligned with Global and Gaithersburg SHE objectives.

You will play a visible leadership role in maintaining License to Operate requirements, driving Management of Change, leading investigations and corrective actions, using data to inform decisions, and promoting a proactive safety culture grounded in Human and Organizational Performance principles.

Develop, implement, and maintain SHE protocols, standard operating procedures, safety documentation, and site License to Operate requirements in alignment with applicable regulations, company standards, and best practices.

Provide leadership for laboratory, animal safety, biosafety, and environmental compliance programs, including waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability initiatives.

Typical Accountabilities

Lead risk assessments for new processes, equipment, operational changes, laboratory renovations, and Management of Change activities; develop strategies to reduce risk exposure and support safe, compliant operations.

conduct inspections and program self-audits across laboratories, facilities, and animal care environments; document findings, communicate results, and ensure corrective actions are tracked to timely closure.

Lead or support investigations for injuries, illnesses, spills, near misses, and other SHE events; determine root causes, prepare reports, implement corrective actions, and ensure accurate documentation in electronic safety management systems such as Enablon.

Use SHE data, metrics, benchmarking, and trend analysis to identify improvement opportunities, recommend practical solutions, and communicate the strategic value of SHE initiatives to stakeholders.

Foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility through visible leadership, stakeholder engagement, clear communication, one-point lessons, HOP-based learning, and safety communications across multiple platforms.

Build trusted partnerships with researchers, operations, engineering, service providers, regulatory agencies, and site leadership to understand operational needs, influence decisions, and integrate SHE into daily work.

• Develop training, guidance, and communications that translate regulatory and company requirements into practical expectations for laboratory and animal research environments.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking, strong judgment, effective time management, attention to detail, and the ability to move between tactical execution and broader organizational impact.
• Maintain records, reports, and documentation in relevant systems, including AZ SHE systems, Enablon, SharePoint, WorkVivo, and related platforms.

Required On-Call Coverage

On-call coverage is required. Employees may participate in an on-call rotation and be available outside standard working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to support business-critical activities.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Master’s degree in a scientific field such as biology, public health, safety, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years experience in biosafety, bench research, animal research safety, laboratory operations, SHE, environmental health and safety, Biopharma R&D, or a related regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead risk assessments, event investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, inspections, audits, and Management of Change activities.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety principles, regulatory requirements, safety management systems, and SHE documentation requirements.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including experience with electronic safety management systems such as Enablon and related reporting, documentation, or collaboration platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence, advise, and partner effectively with diverse audiences and varying levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze data, evaluate options, identify risks and tradeoffs, recommend a fact-based path forward, and solve complex problems with sound judgment.
• Comfort working onsite in laboratory and animal research environments.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Prior experience conducting research or animal experiments.
• ASP, RBP, CSP, CHMM, CIH, or other applicable safety certification.
• Prior experience with laser safety, animal safety protocols, biosafety, IBC or IACUC processes, or service as an IBC/IACUC administrator.
• Experience with SharePoint, Enablon, WorkVivo, aTune, CapEx-related safety assessments, or other SHE management systems.
• Familiarity with Human and Organizational Performance principles and practical approaches to strengthening safety culture.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships, influence without authority, and translate complex safety requirements into practical guidance for scientific teams.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $105,710- $125,000 USD Annual. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Why AstraZeneca

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by science and united by our commitment to patients. In this role, you will help protect people, research, animals, operations, and the environment by leading safe, compliant, and sustainable scientific work.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.