Chemical Safety Officer

Department

Provost ORS - ChemSafety

About the Department

The Office of Research Safety (ORS) provides a research safety framework, subject matter expertise, emergency response, and management of research safety support activities for the University to ensure that laboratory and field research are conducted safely and in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines. The ORS leads the development of university-wide research safety standards, policies, and procedures to ensure a safe research environment and to facilitate research compliance and is guided institutionally by the Research Safety Policy Council (RSPC), chaired by the Vice Provost of Research. Other members include Divisional Deans, the Dean of Shared Research Facilities, and a Senior Associate General Counsel. The ORS works closely with counterparts in the academic Divisions, the University Environmental Health and Safety Office, the Medical Center Environmental Health and Safety Office, Facilities Services, Physical Plant, Project Management, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

Job Summary

The Chemical Safety Officer (CSO) in the Office of Research Safety provides leadership for chemical safety programs across the University of Chicago's research enterprise. Reporting to the Associate Director of Chemical Safety, this role supports safe laboratory practices in research laboratories and support areas, including spaces operating at Biosafety Levels 1–3 (BSL-1 to BSL-3) and Animal Biosafety Levels 1–3 (ABSL-1 to ABSL-3). The CSO works extensively with institutional partners to advance the University's academic and scientific mission through effective chemical hygiene and compliance with regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver chemical safety programming and educational initiatives across all Research Unit departments.

• Respond professionally and courteously to requests for chemical safety assistance, providing technical guidance, making independent decisions regarding risk assessments, emergency response, and corrective actions.

• Conduct construction plan reviews for laboratories, provide written review comments, sign off on final plans, and participate in laboratory commissioning and decommissioning.

• Advise university investigators and staff on the implementation of chemical hazard control policies and procedures, including general chemical safety practices, fume hood usage, and emergency response planning.

• Compile reports, protocol status summaries, and quarterly administrative documentation to support the chemical safety program.

• Maintain current knowledge of chemical safety regulations, codes, standards, and procedures through publications, training, and continuing education.

• Provide feedback to team members, laboratory staff, students, and research leadership on outstanding safety issues, and coordinate the development of remedial action plans as required.

• Assist in assessment and cleanup of chemical spills in laboratories; provide emergency consultation during off-hours as required.

• Oversee and act as liaison for hazardous material shipping, including data integration with eSHIP, delivery of IATA/DOT-compliant training, and export control advisement.

• With a moderate level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.

• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiates immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.

• Performs risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs and implements alternatives or improvements to current programs.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Driver's License - Multiple States

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advance degree in chemistry, Physics, or one of the physical sciences.

Experience:

• Five+ years of experience in a laboratory or related industry (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences research laboratory, etc.). 

• Two+ years of experience in chemical safety/lab safety.

• Experience, education and/or training in the chemistry.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Relevant certifications (Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

• Capable of obtaining medical clearances for using respiratory protection necessary for HAZMAT response.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations, chemical safety codes, standards, and agency requirements (CDC, NIH, USDA-APHIS, EPA, DOD, OSHA, FDA), as well as understanding of current trends, technology, and procedures in the field maintained through ongoing professional development.

• Ability to travel for attending and/or presenting work at regional and national scientific conferences in the field of chemical safety.

• Ability to work successfully with a wide variety of people at all levels of knowledge.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to problem solve, remain calm in emergency situations, stay focused, and work under pressure with frequent interruptions.

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) including database design, maintenance, query writing, and report generation.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (preferred)

• References (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$72, $85,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:  Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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