Lab Safety Specialist

Position Overview

This individual will report to the Lab Safety Program Manager of the Environment, Health & Safety Department at the University of Kansas – Lawrence Campus. This position has the primary responsibility of conducting laboratory safety assessments, monitoring, auditing, and compliance assurance inspections. This position will be part of a lab safety team and provide support and assistance in carrying out the EHS campus-wide laboratory safety program related to general lab safety, biosafety, chemical hygiene/safety, laser safety and radiation safety. Specific duties are outlined in detail below.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

WORK LOCATION: Onsite – campus properties & affiliates

The Department of Environment, Health, and Safety is a unit within KU Operations. EHS helps protect human health, safety and the environment in a manner that enhances the quality of education, research and public service on our campus. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Job Description

90% - Laboratory Safety Program Duties

• Evaluate laboratories safety conditions/risks, practices/procedures for working with hazardous materials, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and license/permit requirements, as well as established campus laboratory safety policy and procedures
• Assess laboratories to identify hazards/risks present, determine hazard classification level and prepare appropriate laboratory entrance postings.
• Perform inspection of fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, other laboratory exhaust ventilation devices and fixed laboratory safety equipment.
• Monitor laboratories for contamination and lab personnel working with hazardous materials for exposure. This includes collection and analysis of air, water, and other samples utilizing appropriate sampling and measurement techniques.
• Assist laboratories in assuring that best work practices are achieved, that personnel protection is maximized, and that materials of risk are handled and used to achieve exposures as low as reasonably achievable.
• Provide instruction and guidance to laboratory personnel so they may work safely with hazardous materials and assist with EHS formal lab safety training efforts.
• Receive and inspect EHS regulated incoming hazardous materials shipments and deliver to permitted/using laboratories.
• Assist and guide laboratories in preparing shipments of hazardous materials for compliance with applicable shipping regulations.
• Maintain the required record keeping and documentation associated with these duties.
• Assist with EHS’s efforts to develop/implement/maintain a laboratory safety information system.
• Perform data entry into laboratory safety information system.
• Provide training to personnel on laboratory safety information system as appropriate.
• Responsible for daily coordination and oversight of assigned lab safety student workers. Insure that student workers use their time efficiently and in a productive manner, complete assigned work/projects in accordance with applicable Federal and State Regulations, and that their actions adhere to university policies and procedures.
  
  
  

5% - Aid with EHS HazMat Response Efforts

• Participate as a member of the EHS HazMat Response Team.
• Respond to hazardous materials releases, as called upon, and aid with spill control/cleanup within personal capabilities and limitations of protective equipment available.
  
  
  

5% - Perform other EHS safety duties as appropriate and assigned.

Position Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 pounds frequently and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Ability to bend, stoop and/or kneel frequently.
• Ability to traverse steps, ladders, & outdoor uneven terrain.
• Work location is onsite – Lawrence campus & affiliate properties.
• Valid driver’s license by time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Successfully complete OSHA/EPA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training within 180 days of initial employment.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in appropriate science, engineering, or related field; or HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Valid driver's license by time of appointment.
• Experience with Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office or other standard office software as evidenced by application materials.
• Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
• Ability to handle and use appropriate safety equipment as demonstrated by past experience, certifications and/or training.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, or Safety.
• Work experience in a university or laboratory environment dealing with hazardous materials and/or safety issues.
• Familiarity with various hazardous materials monitoring instrumentation and sampling techniques as evidenced by application materials.
• Familiarity with applicable Federal and State regulations as evidenced by application materials.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• List of three (3) professional references.
  
  
  

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, March 30th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Larry Cattoor

cattoor@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Starting at $54,700

Application Review Begins

Monday March 30, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday April 27, 2026