Director of Research Safety

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

• Knowledge of research safety principles, including chemical, radiation, and laser safety.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to research safety and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of emergency preparedness requirements and incident response frameworks.
• Ability to establish goals, monitor performance, and ensure accountability.
• Ability to have clear, accessible communication of complex regulatory concepts.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations in a practical, research-supportive manner.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with researchers, administrators, and emergency partners.
• Ability to oversee training development and delivery for diverse research audiences.
• Ability to represent the university professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Competency in leadership, supervision, and team development.
• Competency in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial stewardship in a university setting.
• Competency with safety management systems, chemical inventory tools, and data/reporting practices.
• Competency in project management, organization, and systems implementation.
• Competency in program evaluation, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Competency in making informed decisions in urgent or high-risk situations.

• Participate in an occupational health and safety program and wear a respirator, pass a physical fitness medical evaluation, and lift at least 50 lbs. above the head.
• Driving to perform job-related duties.

• Recruits, supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, including Senior Safety and Compliance Officers, while supporting their development as supervisors and subject matter experts.
• Using UGA's approved performance process, conducts annual evaluations that include robust dialogue to strengthen direct reports' competencies, proactively identify their barriers, and help them provide effective performance evaluations for their staff.
• Monitors and updates job descriptions for direct reports as necessary.
• Leads monthly staff meetings, communicates administrative and strategic updates, and prioritizes accessibility to staff.
• Promptly addresses escalated personnel and operational issues using effective conflict management practices.
• Establishes unit goals and milestones, monitors progress and takes accountability for unit outcomes.
• Serves as the primary liaison with senior administration and the central research office.
• Assumes supervisory responsibilities during staffing shortages or periods of increased workload, and exercises sound judgment in task delegation, space allocation and operational leadership.
• Demonstrates strong professional judgment and discernment, including respect for established decision-making hierarchies.
• Fosters a positive, ethical, and solution-oriented culture through effective leadership and communication.

• Oversees the inventory control and safe use of chemicals and radioactive materials on all of UGA's campuses.
• Maintains expertise in chemical and radioactive material hazards and acquires additional knowledge as needed to address emerging risks.
• Manages and evaluates the Chemical Safety Plan (CSP) program and implements continuous improvement.

• Oversees office electronic systems, including system selection, implementation, vendor management, and contract renewals/updates.
• Develops a working knowledge of office IT system functionality.
• Partners with IT units to implement enhancements and ensure ongoing system maintenance.
• Keeps pace with emerging workplace technologies and evaluates opportunities to enhance office operations.
• Provides timely expertise and conflict resolution for escalated emails and chats.

• Advises university leadership and researchers on regulatory compliance and safety matters.
• Maintains professional credentials and subject matter expertise, monitoring and communicating regulatory and industry change to university stakeholders.
• Develops, delivers, and approves training and guidance on chemical, radiation, and laser safety.
• Oversees Research Safety Committee administration, serving as a voting member, and ensuring follow-through on committee recommendations.
• Implements and administers research safety policies and guidance while minimizing operational burden on researchers.
• Reviews and approves unit guidance and best practices.

• Leads response efforts for significant chemical and radiation incidents, providing onsite expertise to emergency personnel and leadership.
• Provides leadership to the Programs for Research, Environmental Health and Safety (PREHS) team through regular participation and expert guidance and represents the Office of Research on university committees and institutional initiatives.
• Maintains emergency preparedness information, coordinates required emergency training and fosters relationships with campus and community responders.
• Serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal agencies as requested.
• Maintains professional certifications, communicates regulatory changes, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and standards through practical guidance and training.

• Advocates for the Office of Research Safety with senior leadership.
• Develops annual budget requests and manages unit expenditures to remain within approved allocations, ensuring funds are used responsibly to support unit priorities.
• Oversees the use of unit-assigned university vehicles and compliance with rules of use.
• Negotiates and approves any unit fee for service project.