Research Safety Specialist (On-site)

Research Safety Specialist (On-site) Compensation Hourly range: $36.50 - $45.63. Job Availability Job remains open until filled. Initial applicant review expected on or around June 26, 2026. Job Location Fully on-site. About the Role Develop, implement, and monitor safety, health, and environmental compliance programs, including health and safety compliance plans, procedures, and policies, to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and to provide a safe, hazard‑free workplace. This scope may include laboratory workplace industrial hygiene monitoring and measurement, workplace ergonomic evaluations, occupational safety in research and teaching laboratories, employee, student, and visitor environmental health in laboratories, the safe use and storage of hazardous materials, hazardous and regulated medical waste (RMW) management, fire safety, radiological safety, laser safety, and support for all Uni‑Merced EH&S programs and implementing plans, procedures, and policies. Key Responsibilities Conduct laboratory safety compliance‑support audits and inspections of laboratories/facilities to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures, and support of lab PIs and professors. Prepare and submit inspection finding reports in a timely manner. Follow up with laboratories to ensure inspection findings are resolved promptly. Work with PIs to aid in the successful resolution of identified laboratory concerns/violations, and work closely with laboratory users to help mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Maintain safety equipment as directed/assigned to ensure safety compliance. Provide EH&S departmental support for various other programs, including but not limited to workplace safety support, Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Title 8 CCR, Section 5191, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, Title 8 Section 5193, Bloodborne Pathogens, laser safety, safety use and handling of nanomaterials, radiation safety, respiratory protection, and waste management in laboratories. Assist/support EHS team members in the completion of projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor, perform necessary triage of emerging concerns, work with campus safety partners, make necessary regulatory reporting as directed, conduct workplace/laboratory safety concern investigations, and write investigative reports/findings with recommendations for resolution. Assist up to the level of training in responding to university emergencies as required. Apply relevant laws, regulations, codes, and standards with minor refinements to procedures as applicable. Conduct education and awareness training as needed and directed. Participate in workgroups, committees, and teams as necessary to further the mission of EHS and the campus. Under direct supervision, implement EH&S program policies in the following areas, including but not limited to: chemical hygiene program, laboratory safety, biological safety program, environmental protection, radiation safety, hazardous materials control, and hazardous waste management. Maintain and apply working knowledge of technical aspects of various regulatory requirements and their impact on the research/operating unit. Attend training as directed. May conduct awareness presentations and represent EH&S at the campus, systemwide, or regional meetings as directed. May serve on campus workgroups and committees as directed. May assist with laboratory waste management, including chemical and biological waste as necessary. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Environment, Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience, or 5 years of related equivalent experience/education. An advanced degree is preferred but may not be used as a substitute for experience. CIH, CSP, CHP, or CHMM preferred but not required. Critical Knowledge and Skills Comprehensive and applied working knowledge/understanding of a specific EH&S discipline, including laboratory compliance support, operational management of safety in laboratories, and general knowledge, understanding, and application of all EH&S disciplines. Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively in a diverse environment. Demonstrated capacity in the application of regulations, emergent technologies, and relevant scientific equipment as required. Background Check Background check required. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr