Assistant Director – Laboratory Safety/Radiation Safety Officer Job Listing at UT Dallas in Richardson, TX (Job ID 26482)

Description

The Assistant Director, Laboratory Safety will support the University research/academic programs and facilities (laboratories, studios, workshops, and technical spaces) for each University department, including Arts, Humanities, and Technology (AHT), Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS), Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), Engineering and Computer Sciences (ECS), Interdisciplinary Studies, Management (JSOM), and Natural Sciences & Mathematics (NS&M). The Assistant Director is also responsible for administering the radiation and laser safety programs at University of Texas at Dallas. The Assistant Director will provide risk recognition/assessment support and hazard control guidance to faculty, lecturers, staff, and students for various health and safety programs to minimize risk associated with exposure to campus-wide research hazards, promote an enhanced safety culture, and maintain compliance with University policies, as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

Development and effective management of health and safety programs requires technical insight on the recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards in research settings across campus. Anticipation of changes in process requires applying management of change principles to counteract potential for injury or illness, or otherwise affect the well-being of individuals. The Assistant Director will support staff within the UTD Safety team as a technical expert in laboratory safety, as well as cooperatively supporting health and safety programs embedded in the Schools and Departments within the University.

The Assistant Director will support Schools and Departments relative to safe and successful onboarding and offboarding of faculty and research group members. This position will coordinate laboratory start-ups, moves, and close-outs, as well as conducting periodic baseline surveys and safety performance evaluations, to determine the extent of exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, radiation and other hazardous conditions. Collaborative interaction and risk management requires expertise in reviewing and evaluating facility construction, operations, and maintenance programs.

Additional responsibilities include leadership for designing and delivering safety awareness training for faculty, staff, and students in safe practices for campus-wide research activities which may present potentially hazardous environments. Duties also include assisting research staff, faculty, lecturers, and students in the preparation of training programs and other informative materials to promote safe work practices and environmental conscientiousness for working with hazardous materials. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a lab environment are essential. The Assistant Director must be able to develop and maintain strong collaborative and professional relationships with all University customers, while actively promoting a progressive safety culture.

Minimum Education and Experience

-Bachelor's degree in related field. 
-Three plus years relevant professional experience. 
-Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master of Science degree in physical science, biological science, health physics, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental science/management, applied health science, industrial technology, or other related discipline.
• Experience as a Radiation Safety Officer in a University setting.
• Knowledge of environmental health and occupational safety principles as well as ability to understand and interpret complex written regulations and technical reports.
• Experience with OSHA requirements and best management practices for training personnel and students on safe work practices when handling hazardous materials or equipment.
• Experience implementing safety programs such as hazard communication, chemical hygiene, biosafety, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection/PPE, emergency action, electrical safety, fire prevention, and HAZWOPER.
• Experience with promoting and implementing safety within a higher education research program.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills are needed to effectively negotiate and appropriately influence the safety behavior of faculty, staff, students, and lecturers toward best procedures to implement demonstrated safety management practices.
• Proficient at standard computer software packages including Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Office 365, and Outlook in performing work assignments.
• Excellent customer service skills to interact with senior managers at multiple research or administrative departments.
• Excellent time and project management skills, including planning, prioritizing, and scheduling multiple ongoing projects
• Ability to assist with workplace emergencies such as chemical exposure emergencies and spill remediation.
• Be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment as well as lift to 50 lbs. and perform extensive walking/standing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General duties and responsibilities: Provide general support to UT Dallas laboratory safety programs such as industrial hygiene, biosafety, chemical hygiene, laboratory safety, radiation safety, physical safety, and environmental protection.

• Manage and lead a team of safety professionals; coach mentor and support staff members.
• Maintain knowledge of state-of-the art concepts and issues regarding potential exposure or compliance concerns within the field of industrial hygiene, environmental health and occupational safety especially with research laboratories.
• Participate in emergency response planning and response procedures in the event of laboratory or facility incidents with hazardous materials.
• Participate in safety performance evaluations and post-incident assessments.
• Provide technical support for UTD Safety Team members and University-wide customers.

Leads the Radiation Safety Program (registration, audit, training, and waste elements) and Laser Safety Program to address the safe and compliant use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at UT Dallas. Maintains and utilizes radiation screening and monitoring equipment to measure exposure potential and approves all standard operating procedures for lasers and maintains and verifies the inventory of class 3b and 4 lasers to be reported in accordance with Texas statutes.

• Inspects research and academic areas, including radiation and laser laboratories, for safety and compliance with regulations. Participates as part of the Safety team to conduct risk assessments and actively provide expertise in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards.
• Serves on institutional committees involved in research safety including Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), Laser Safety Committee and others, as appropriate; Helps to set the agendas, prepare submissions, set goals and objectives, report on metrics and engage in a process of continuous improvement.

Hazard/Risk Assessment and Exposure Monitoring: Recognizes, researches, analyzes, and evaluates safety concerns inherent with campus research operations. Provides collaborative guidance in developing corrective measures for safety and health exposure issues.

• Utilize standard and novel techniques, procedures, equipment, and instrumentation to assist other program managers with exposure monitoring.
• Liaise with vendors, coordinate sampling events, anticipate data collection methods, and interpret analytical results.
• Collaborate with University departments to explore feasible risk management control strategies including engineering controls, administrative controls, and effective use of personal protective equipment.
• Assist in overseeing personal protective equipment (PPE) programs for Research Safety.

Safety Training: Utilize advanced knowledge of safety training requirements and familiarity of safety programs to maintain a progressive safety training program for faculty/staff/students utilizing hazardous materials or working/learning in potentially hazardous environments.

• Interact with other safety professionals and college/department stakeholders on strategic and programmatic initiatives requiring coordination between departments for the design, development and delivery of required safety training.
• Oversee training and educational programs for Research Safety via planning and implementing training initiatives to meet identified needs, including coordinating subject matter experts for delivery of cohesive training programs.
• Prepares reports and other documentation required to support the Laboratory Safety Program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Work will be performed on-site and in person.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:
Competitive Salary
Tuition Benefits
Internal Training
Medical insurance – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Long and short-term disability
Retirement Plan Options
Paid time off
Paid Holidays All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us
UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

The University has a variety of programs and initiatives to support engagement and success for all members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources. “LilyPad” lactation facilities are located throughout the campus. There are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals).

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

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