Research Safety Specialist II

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Safety Program Manager, the Research Safety Specialist II will assist with the implementation of the University Research Safety program and will perform comprehensive laboratory, biological, and radiation safety inspections to ensure compliance with USC Policy and Federal, State, and local regulations, and provide training and technical and safety-related assistance to the research community.

Job Accountabilities:

• Leads the development and review of comprehensive safety documentation on research hazards (biological, chemical, radiological), addressing incompatibilities, health impacts, and safe practices.

• Develops and delivers specialized safety training programs for research personnel and leads the creation of training resources tailored to specific research environments and safety challenges.

• Provides expertise and consultative support to PrincipleInvestigators (PIs) and researchers in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to lab operations, exposure controls, calibration standards, laser safety, contamination prevention, emergency response, and safe close-out practices.

• Collaborates closely with research labs to proactively assess safety needs, identify compliance gaps, and lead the implementation of advanced safety programs that address complex operational requirements.

• Collaborates with the Laboratory Safety Program Manager to assist in the management and maintenance of the inspection program(s).

• Leads and conducts thorough research safety inspections and audits, including bio, lab, and radiation inspections (annual/biannual), high-hazard lab inspections (biannual), controlled substance inspections (annual), and targeted inspections of labs requiring focused oversight. Documents findings and oversees corrective action plans to address any identified compliance issues.

• Directs the development and strategic implementation of safety programs to ensure alignment with university and regulatory standards. Establishes, documents, and communicates safety protocols, guidelines, and procedures, with authority to manage and oversee technically complex safety programs independently. This may include supervision of student worker(s).

• Provides advanced technical guidance and expert recommendations to PIs, lab personnel, and students to ensure rigorous safety and regulatory compliance across diverse research settings.

• Leads the creation and management of educational resources, including fact sheets, web content, and publications on complex safety and regulatory topics to support University-wide safety knowledge and awareness.

• Leads investigation and documentation of research safety incidents and formulates actionable recommendations and preventative measures in response to incident findings.

• Provides emergency on-call coverage and response as required (nominally two weeks per year as primary and two weeks per year as secondary responder).

• Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned to support departmental and institutional safety goals.

Required:

Minimum Education:

• Bachelors of Science degree in biology, chemistry, virology, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education, experienceand/or training.

Minimum Experience:

• 3 years

• Combined education/experiences may substitute for minimum experience.

MinimumRequirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications.

• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.

• Ability to maintain data and records.

• Proven ability to work independently and manage own schedule, as well as being able to act as part of a team, where appropriate, for completing tasks.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time constraints.

• Thorough written and verbal communication skills, including skill to write clear and concise technical reports.

• Prior experience of leading a project (or a significant subunit of a larger project) from conception to successful implementation, and/or experience of playing a significant role in the management of a program.

Preferred:

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree in biology, chemistry, virology, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training.

Preferred Experience:

• Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards and guidelines. Ability to evaluate the workplace situations for safe handling, storage, use, or disposal of biohazardous and other hazardous materials.

• Ability to develop a strong rapport with academic personnel to thoroughly evaluate research projects and develop creative solutions to unique and often complex problems.

• Experience in designing, developing, and presenting training programs to individuals and groups. Strong skill to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment as required, including use of a variety of computer programs and applications.

• Knowledge of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for biosafety as they apply to infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and Bloodborne pathogens.

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $76,177 - $90,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.