Career Center

Duties and Responsibilities

• As part of the EH&S Lab Safety Team, this position will help integrate safety into laboratory operations and promote safe work practices based on regulatory requirements, best management practice guidance and University Policy.
• Conducts and assists with inspections, compliance reviews and hazard assessments of research laboratories, research animal facilities and other support facilities.  Prepares and provides timely peer-reviewed reports, assists with and monitors corrective actions, as necessary.  Prepares and assists with Lab Safety training including chemical, biological, general, and physical hazard protection in laboratories, effective safety and exposure control device use, hazardous materials shipping, and other customized trainings.
• Assist Lab Ventilation Program Manager in gathering information about chemical inventories, benchtop processes and/or equipment setups for conducting Laboratory Inhalation Risk Assessment (LIRA).
• Collect and assess lab experimental protocols for Laboratory Inhalation Risk Assessment (LIRA) baseline field assessments.
• Collect air samples (direct reading instruments, sampling pumps, passive vapor badges, etc.) to assess ambient lab air quality.
• Assist Lab Ventilation Program Manager in analyzing and managing sampling data.
• Generate air sampling reports.
• Test chemical fume hoods and other exposure capture devices (ECDs) such as snorkels and ventilated enclosures.
• Manage and maintain IH equipment as well as assist in updating IH equipment inventory control, set-up, calibration, use, and analysis guides.
• Support general lab ventilation assessments.
• Support respirator fit testing.
• Support the management of chemical and product safety data sheet database.
• Assists in the response and investigation of laboratory-related accidents or exposures.
• Assist with EH&S project and program work, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least one year of relevant work experience; OR A minimum of five years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with IH monitoring equipment, local exhaust and general room ventilation systems, chemical properties data, chemical inventory systems, or related fields.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple assignments with diverse clients in different academic lab research areas (e.g., biology, chemistry).
• Strong interpersonal and excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail and the ability to work independently, are required.
• Must be able to use database applications, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint and Teams.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Technology Skills:  Experience in chemical data review/entry and statistical data management is preferred.  Experience with the Gasmet DX4040 or Miran SapphIRe infrared spectrometers as well as other Industrial Hygiene equipment such as the TSI Velocicalc and TSI Portacount is a plus.   

Special Requirements

• Participates in the EHS Emergency Response Program on a rotating basis as a cross-trained EHS Responder.  Will be required to carry a cell phone and occasionally respond to emergencies during non-business hours.

Physical Requirements

Ability to carry up to 40 lbs of equipment in a backpack or by its handle.  Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform field visits.  Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response.

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

Pre-Employment Screening:    DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Identity, Employment

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other