Research Laboratory Operations and Safety Specialist (RLS)

Title: Research Laboratory Operations and Safety Specialist (RLS)

PLEASE APPLY AT: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bcomnm/NMCampus

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Las Cruces, NM

“Para la gente, y el futuro! For the people, and the future!”

Position Purpose:

The Research Laboratory Operations and Safety Specialist (RLS) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and activities of the Burrell Research Laboratory and serves as a liaison to administrators, departments, and/or stakeholders who utilize the laboratory. The RLS serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer and is an ad-hoc member of the Research Advisory Council as well as the Institutional Biosafety Committee. The RLS works independently to complete assigned duties and tasks.

· This position is exempt.

· This position reports to the Director of Research Laboratory but works closely with and receives direction from the Assistant Dean of Research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Serve as the day-to day site and operations coordinator for Burrell Research Laboratory.

· Assist with development and maintenance of materials applicable to laboratory operations such as protocols, SOP's, manuals, training materials, signage, and logbooks.

· Perform equipment inspection, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, calibrations, and validations. Schedule and document requisite equipment certifications. Coordinate or perform equipment repairs. Maintaining an up-to-date laboratory equipment inventory.

· Receive, review and process all laboratory access requests.

· Oversee and manage supply and expendables inventory by selecting, purchasing, storing, and allocating laboratory equipment and supplies. Maintain expendables inventory.

· Oversee and enforce laboratory safety; ensure that appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available and in good working order.

· Coordinate/perform laboratory safety inspections. Work with Director of Research Laboratories and PIs to conduct risk assessment and risk mitigation related to laboratory occupational health and safety.

· Review requests for the addition of biological agents and chemicals into the laboratory. Maintain all necessary records regarding biological agents brought into the laboratory.

· Facilitate and oversee the shared working environment, equipment, and storage. Coordinate and oversee activities and programs within the laboratory facilities.

· Provide technical support and general research laboratory services for faculty, students and other authorized laboratory users.

· Coordinate and provide oversight of hazardous materials storage and disposal; maintain all records of hazardous materials disposal.

· Coordinate with external vendors for housekeeping, pest control, and facilities maintenance of research laboratory space; ensure all required maintenance and inspections are completed in a timely manner.

· Perform all housekeeping for inside the BSL2 laboratory.

· Assist the Director of Research Laboratory to ensure adherence to institutional and governmental regulatory guidelines and ensure federal compliance as it relates to operation of a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory and OSHA Laboratory Standard regulations.

· Facilitates the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

· Maintain and manage laboratory chemical inventory, chemical disposal and SDS database that are compliant with OSHA regulations.

· Develop, provide, and document in person OSHA Laboratory Standard and Hazard Communication trainings in accordance with federal regulations.

· Monitor and ensure training compliance of all laboratory users; maintain all required and relevant training and compliance records.

· Assist with the development of and regularly review regulatory documents, SOPs and disaster plans for the research laboratories.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Other skills important to this position:

· Excellent interpersonal and communications skills

· Ability to follow scientific protocols and to work independently to conduct complete experiments

· Strong team player with the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

· Ability to provide well-written technical reports, protocols, and data summaries

· Commitment to company values

· Computer proficiency at a level required for operating essential equipment and software in the laboratory

· Familiarity with and willingness to stay abreast of current research regulations and policies that are related to the laboratory

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

· Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular or Cell Biology, Microbiology, or other related life science field, or equivalent experience.

· Experience:Prior experience in a laboratory environment.

Preferences: Although not essential, preferences may be given to applicants who have the following skills or attributes.

· Master’s Degree

Working Conditions and Efforts:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This job is conducted in an office/laboratory/academic work environment.
• Approximately 90% of this position’s duties require the use of a computer.
• Must be able to exert up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Work Schedule:

· Typically, Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm

· May occasionally require evenings and weekends.

Note: Applicants must currently be authorized to lawfully work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, review of resumes is scheduled to begin immediately. Salary is commensurate with experience. EOE.

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer
and values diversity in our faculty and staff as an important aspect of the educational process.
BCOM encourages individuals with varied backgrounds and experience to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person