Research Safety Specialist (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $36.50 - $45.63.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around June 26, 2026.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit UPTE (RX).

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Develop, implement, and monitor safety, health, and environmental compliance programs, including health and safety compliance plans, procedures, and policies, to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace. This scope may include laboratory workplace industrial hygiene monitoring and measurement, workplace ergonomic evaluations, occupational safety in research and teaching laboratories, employee, student, and visitor environmental health in laboratories, the safe use and storage of hazardous materials, hazardous and regulated medical waste (RMW) management, fire safety, radiological safety, laser safety, and support for all UCM EH&S programs and implementing plans, procedures, and policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct laboratory safety compliance-support audits and inspections of laboratories/ facilities to ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures, and support of lab PIs and professors. Prepare and submit inspection finding reports in a timely manner.

• Follow up with laboratories to ensure inspection findings are resolved in a timely manner. Work with PIs to aid in the successful resolution of identified laboratory concerns/violations. Work closely with laboratory users to help mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Maintain safety equipment as directed/assigned to ensure safety compliance.

• Provide EH&S departmental support for various other programs, including but not limited to workplace safety support, including Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Title 8 CCR, Section 5191, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, Title 8, Section 5193, Bloodborne Pathogens, and, as applicable, laser safety, safety use and handling of nanomaterials, radiation safety, respiratory protection, and waste management in laboratories.

• Assist/support EHS team members in the completion of projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor, perform necessary triage of emerging concerns, work with campus safety partners, make necessary regulatory reporting as directed, conduct workplace/laboratory safety concern investigations, and write investigative reports/findings with recommendations for resolution, etc.

• Assist up to the level of training in assisting with response to university emergencies as required. Applies relevant laws, regulations, codes, and standards with minor refinements to procedure(s) as applicable. Conduct education and awareness training as needed and directed. Participate in workgroups, committees, and teams as necessary to further the mission of EHS and the campus.

• Under direct supervision, implement EH&S program policies in the following areas, including but not limited to: chemical hygiene program, laboratory safety, biological safety program, environmental protection, radiation safety, hazardous materials control, and hazardous waste management.

• Maintain and apply working knowledge of technical aspects of various regulatory requirements and their impact on the research/operating unit. Attend training as directed. May conduct awareness presentations and represent EH&S at the campus, systemwide, or regional meetings as directed.

• May serve on campus workgroups and committees as directed.

• May assist with laboratory waste management, including chemical and biological waste as necessary.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Environment, Biology, Chemistry, or related area.

• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience, or 5 years of related equivalent experience/education. An advanced degree is preferred but may not be used as a substitute for experience.

• CIH, CSP, CHP, or CHMM preferred but not required.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Comprehensive and applied working knowledge/understanding of a specific EH&S discipline,including laboratory compliance support, operational management of safety in laboratories, and general knowledge, understanding, and application of all EH&S disciplines.

• Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

• Demonstrated capacity in the application of regulations, emergent technologies, and relevant scientific equipment as required.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/