Career Center

Department: Office for Research Safety
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

The Senior Industrial Hygienist (Sr IH) is the primary expert in monitoring workplace exposures to hazardous materials and energy in teaching and research at Northwestern. This interdisciplinary position addresses the changes in research safety using a hazard and risk assessment approach with chemicals and physical issues, including lasers and high-energy ultraviolet light used in basic science.

Reporting to the Director of Research Safety | Chemical Hygiene Officer, the Sr IH is part of an interdisciplinary team of health and safety professionals.

The Sr IH serves as a primary member of the Research Safety Emergency Response Team and is expected to be physically capable of wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Unit and chemically protective clothing and be able to respond to the Evanston campus within one hour.  After-hours coverage is managed on a rotating schedule as required by the Director, RS Evanston.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary expert in the proper assessment of workplace exposures to hazardous materials in teaching and research at Northwestern. Conducts hazard and risk assessments to determine the most appropriate means (or adequacy of existing) controls.  Using standard methods carries out or oversees IH projects to assess potential exposures. Helps develop early career staff in understanding IH principles and practices.
• The Sr IH is responsible for developing a comprehensive program to ensure safety with non-ionizing radiationlasers and high-energy ultraviolet light used in basic science.  Develops written policies and procedures, develops training, performs necessary calculations, inspections, and audits to ensure safety and compliance.  Develops skills and competencies to remain current in the field of non-ionizing radiation through course work, self-study, and certifications.
• Serves as a primary member of the Research Safety Emergency Response Team and is expected to be physically capable of wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Unit, and chemically protective clothing and be able to respond to the Evanston campus within one hour.  After-hours coverage is managed on a rotating schedule as required by the Director, RS Evanston.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in biology, chemistry, industrial hygiene, engineering, or physics (or a closely related field)
• Minimum of three years of IH or environmental health and safety experience in an academic environment. Experience with radioactive materials management is a plus
• Demonstrated written and communication skills. Ability to work within a diverse and academically demanding environment.
• Eligible for unescorted access to radioactive material in quantities of concern (must be able to pass pre-employment fingerprinting and criminal background check).
• Must be physically fit to lift/carry at least 50lbs, walk extensively, and be capable of wearing chemical protective clothing, including an SCBA. Ability to pass a pre-employment physical

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, respect, and fairness in daily actions; demands trustworthiness from others; demonstrates courage and objectivity.
• Identifies actual and potential issues and risks; monitors and enforces safety regulations; provides education and training.
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose among various participants in an engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Health Physicist (CHP)
• Masters degree in a relevant scientific field or industrial hygiene.
• Five to seven years of environmental health and safety experience, some with management experience a benefit
• Laser safety training and certifications.
• Completion of 40-hour Radiation Safety Officer training course, DOT certification for handling, transportation, and shipping of radioactive materials.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline.
• Academic publications.
• Professional presentations

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate lifes challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If youre interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

#LI-EN1

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

Connections working at Northwestern University