Lab Safety Manager

Job Requisition:

JR101769 Lab Safety Manager (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Lab Safety Manager

Department:

CC00036 WM001 | PROV | Provost's Office

Job Family:

Staff - Environmental Safety

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Boundary 208

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

The Lab Safety Manager (LSM) is an on-site position supporting academic and research operations by providing leadership to ensure compliance and safe laboratory environments. Reporting to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), the LSM collaborates with faculty, researchers, staff, and students to manage and improve programs in lab safety, biological safety, chemical safety, radiation safety, and laser safety. The LSM supervises the EH&S Specialist dedicated to lab safety programs.

The LSM supports personnel working in or affecting educational and research laboratories by providing safety services, leadership, and compliance oversight. The position manages laboratory safety programs and may assign or coordinate operational activities with the EH&S Specialist and, as needed, the broader EH&S Office.

The LSM supports the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and other safety committees by participating as a committee member, reviewing protocols, providing periodic inspections, offering technical safety expertise, reporting and investigating any significant research related accidents or illnesses, and assisting with related medical surveillance programs.

The LSM also serves as the institution’s Biological Safety Officer and Laser Safety Officer, meeting compliance requirements associated with duties designated in the current issuance of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and the American National Standards Institute, NIH Laser Safety Program, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 and Z136.5 standards. The LSM will coordinate with institutional safety partners to support effective, consistent safety and compliance programs throughout all campuses.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, life sciences, or a related science or health and safety field.
• In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NIH, CDC, ANSI, and other regulations and industry standards.
• Advanced experience (typically 8 or more years) working in laboratory safety, a related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
• Intermediate experience (typically 5 or more years) in the field of biological safety.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse constituency.
• Ability to prioritize and manage concurrent tasks.
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point).
• Ability to work within and manage data in a safety management software platform.
• Training, or ability to successfully take training within twelve months of hire, for OSHA 30-hour training, RCRA Hazardous Waste Management training, Shipping Hazmat by Ground (DOT), 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations training.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, life sciences, or a related science or health and safety field.
• Experience in higher education or research.
• Experience with radiation safety and laser safety programs.
• Professional certification (Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Registered Biosafety Professional, Radiation Safety Officer, Laser Safety Officer, or other recognized health and safety certification).

Conditions of Employment: 

• Position designated as essential to the operation of the department and may require reporting to work when the university is officially closed.
• The incumbent will be required to participate in the department’s on-call program and is required to work overtime and on weekends, as assigned.
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to safety glasses and goggles, gloves, face shield, lab coat, safety shoes, hearing protection, and respirator.

Duties: 

40%- Laboratory Safety Compliance, Regulatory Oversight, Inspections & Audits:

• Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, NIH Guidelines, CDC biosafety standards, ANSI standards, and all applicable state, federal, and institutional regulations.
• Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive EH&S programs, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Laser Safety Program (in alignment with ANSI Z136 standards), and other required safety programs.
• Supports the institution's Radiation Safety Program in collaboration with the Radiation Safety Officer.
• Maintains current knowledge of regulatory changes and updates programs accordingly.
• Conducts routine laboratory inspections and audits to assess compliance and identify hazards.
• Issues timely inspection reports with clear documentation of deficiencies and required corrective actions.
• Oversee the implementation and tracking of corrective actions to closure.
• Prepare summary reports of inspection findings, trends, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

 

15%- Safety Equipment Testing, Certification & Maintenance:

• Ensures proper testing and certification of laboratory safety equipment, including emergency eyewashes and showers, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, snorkels, and other ventilation systems.
• Coordinates equipment testing and maintenance activities with contractors, Facilities Operations, and laboratory personnel.
• Maintains documentation and schedules for all required equipment certifications.
• Identifies equipment deficiencies and ensures timely remediation.
• Provides technical guidance on equipment selection and specifications for laboratory planning, relocation, and renovation projects.

 

15%- Training & Education:

• Develops, updates, and delivers comprehensive EH&S safety training programs.
• Provides training in multiple formats to accommodate diverse learning environments, including in-person, computer-based, online, and hybrid delivery methods.
• Ensures training compliance for all laboratory personnel and maintains accurate training records.
• Evaluates training effectiveness and implements improvements based on feedback and incident trends.
• Participates in institutional safety committees and initiatives.
• Provides expert technical consultation for mitigation of laboratory hazards and reviews laboratory designs and procedures to ensure incorporation of appropriate safety controls.

 

10%- Incident Investigation & Emergency Response:

• Completes thorough investigations of incidents and near-misses, identifying root causes and contributing factors.
• Communicates investigation findings and implements corrective actions tracked to closure.
• Maintains emergency preparedness and response capabilities for chemical spills and laboratory accidents.
• Provides timely technical support during laboratory emergencies.
• Conducts emergency response training and drills.

 

10%- Chemical & Waste Management:

• Oversees and ensures maintenance of chemical and waste management programs.
• Manages the chemical inventory for laboratories using the EH&S-approved inventory system.
• Ensures safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biological materials, hazardous waste, and other regulated waste streams.
• Provides technical guidance on chemical compatibility, storage requirements, waste segregation, and hazard mitigation.
• Coordinates with waste disposal contractors and ensures regulatory compliance for all waste management activities.
• Supports laboratory planning and relocation projects regarding chemical storage and waste management infrastructure.

 

5%- Other Duties as Assigned:

• Collaborate effectively with academic departments, the Research Compliance Office, and operational departments.
• Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on laboratory safety matters.
• Build strong working relationships to promote a culture of safety.
• Represent Environmental Health & Safety on committees or institution-wide initiatives at the request of the director.

Posting Range: $80,000 up to $103,000 commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description:

Please apply by June 15, 2026

Job Profile:

JP1049 - Lab Safety Specialist - Exempt - S14

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S14

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-05-28

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

 

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.