Executive Director, Research Safety - Chicago, United States - Northwestern University

Description

Department:
Office for Research Safety


Salary/Grade:
EXS/16


Job Summary:

The incumbent is responsible for providing effective institutional leadership at Northwestern to ensure the protection of individuals, public health, and the environment arising from basic science research (biological, chemical, and radiological safety).

Evaluates, measures, documents, and transforms existing business practices (as necessary) to ensure health & safety of faculty, staff, and students.

Envisions, develops, and manages new business practices to address current and emerging health, safety, and compliance issues.

Working in cooperation with others at the University, monitors and enforces compliance with a myriad of federal, state, and local rules and regulations associated with the use of hazardous materials, equipment, and energies in the basic sciences.

The incumbent must remain current and relevant in all program aspects to provide a competitive advantage to the institution and protect against reputational harm.

Recruits, trains, and mentors emerging leaders in health & safety to ensure long-term viability and sustainability of the program. Serves on various committees and working groups.

The incumbent is responsible for managing the University-wide hazardous waste program, working with other risk and safety functions within NU to control long-term liabilities.

Provides 24/7 coverage for hazardous materials incidents and serves as an essential member of the multi-hazard emergency management framework of Northwestern.

Represents the interests of the University in dealings with various local, state, and federal agencies; especially labor, the environment and first responders (fire and police).

Demonstrated leader in health & safety management.

Please note:
Must carry a cell phone, pager at work and during off-hours, 24/7.

Incumbent must be physically capable of hazardous materials response: wearing chemical protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus during emergency response.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides visible and effective health & safety leadership in managing the complex issues that arise from research programs at Northwestern. Primary program areas include biological, chemical, and radiological safety. Supporting programs include hazardous waste management, research registration, training, and emergency response. Develops and oversees the creation of policies, procedures, training program, and job aids to ensure compliance and improved health & safety performance. Plays an active role on key compliance committees as an ex officio member.
• Develops and manages a compliance calendar to ensure primary and supporting programs are reviewed on a periodic basis, documented, and revised to close gaps, improve performance, and client services. Works diligently to ensure that Research Safety is inspection ready in all primary areas every day.
• Ensures office management and oversight to ensure the best use of available resources to identify hazards and control risks associated with basic science research. Works closely with the Budget Office to anticipate needs and monitor budget expectations.
• Invests time and energy in training future leaders in health & safety to ensure that they are ready to lead when the time comes as part of a well thought through succession process.
• Emergency planning and response. Develop, maintaining and exercise Research Safety in-house response for small laboratory spills and mishaps. Ensure training with local agencies as required by various regulations. First point of contact for lab associated accidents & injuries, after hours response, nights and weekends, and holidays.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline plus a minimum of ten years of experience.
• Candidate disciplines include chemistry, engineering, occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, and public health.
• Demonstrated day-to-day experience in research safety management and oversight.
• Must pass pre-employment physical screening. Fit to carry 50lbs, walk extensively, and be medically approved to wear chemical protective clothing including respirators. Must have no medical condition that would interfere with performing essential job functions.
• Must be able to respond to potential emergencies of the Evanston campus, off hours and weekends within one hour

Minimum Competencies:
(Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• A grasp of the health, safety, and environmental compliance landscape and emerging issues in higher education. Interest in understanding and improve an integrated approach to health and safety management in higher education.
• Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters, and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Ability to mature and grow with experience.
• Must model a positive attitude, demonstrate collegiality, and work constructively with everyone at the University. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in service to scientists from around the world.
• Demonstrated ability to identify actual and potential issues and risks; monitors and enforces safety regulations; provides education and training.
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose among various participants in an engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with individuals from many cultural backgrounds and varying language skills.
• Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills, ability to keep careful records, complete assigned forms, follow up as necessary to meet identified needs.
• Self-motivated to work independently following established policies and procedures.
• Ability to train and mentor technical and administrative staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline
• More than ten years of experience managing laboratory safety programs.

Preferred Competencies:
(Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• OSHA 24 Hour Hazardous Materials Technician certification (or greater)
• Academic publications in peer-reviewed journals. National and international leadership experience

Target hiring range for this position will be between $185,000 to $210,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data


Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.

Visit us at to learn more.


Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home.

If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources.

Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness.

More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations.

We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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