Associate Director, Research, Laboratory, Chemical Safety and Biosafety Officer

Overview

Job Title:

Associate Director, Research, Laboratory, Chemical Safety and Biosafety Officer

Location:

Kennesaw, Georgia
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Job

Inside Higher Ed is recruiting for the role at Kennesaw State University. The university is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country with a broad portfolio of degrees, a global reach, and a mission to transform lives through academic excellence, research and community partnerships.

Location details:
The Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144; the Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the University s Research Safety, Laboratory Safety, Chemical Safety, Biosafety and Industrial Hygiene programs to ensure safety, compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies. Operates as a senior member of a multidisciplinary EHS team with a focus on research and teaching laboratory safety (chemical, biological, radiation, and laser safety). Engages with the campus community through consultations, technical guidance, training, risk assessments, and incident management to foster a culture of safety and compliance.

Provides emergency-response support for laboratory-related incidents.

• Oversees a team responsible for leading and managing comprehensive safety programs for research, laboratory, biosafety, radiation, and laser safety, ensuring alignment with federal, state, local regulations and University policies
• Leads and manages industrial hygiene programs including exposure assessment plans for noise, gases, vapors, dust, biological and other workplace hazards
• Partners with academic departments to assess and mitigate risks from chemical, biological, and radiological materials; review and approve high-risk materials and develop safe work practices
• Provides expert advice and training to Principal Investigators (PIs), laboratory personnel, and students
• Conducts routine inspections of laboratories, radiation areas, and laser work zones with actionable recommendations to improve safety
• Reviews and audits safety programs to ensure effectiveness and regulatory compliance
• Oversees management, maintenance and calibration of monitoring equipment and systems
• Supports EOSMS implementation and promotes a proactive safety culture
• Participates in emergency drills, training, and real-time hazard mitigation
• Investigates safety incidents with root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence
• Contributes to planning and implementation of laboratory-related capital projects and new equipment with EH&S considerations
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to promote EHS initiatives and compliance
• Serves as technical advisor to compliance committees (IBC, IACUC, Radiological Safety Committee) on safety and regulatory questions

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor s degree in Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Safety Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related fields
• Other
  
  Required Qualifications:
  
  Current, valid, unrestricted driver s license
• Required Experience: Seven (7) years of relevant work experience with progressive management responsibilities
• Preferred Qualifications: Relevant certifications (CIH, CSP, CHP, PE, CBSP/RBP), advanced degree in related field

The midpoint of the salary range is $96,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and more. See hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits for details.

This is a supervisory position and may require travel (1% - 24%). The role requires driving. This is a position of trust. Background checks:
Standard Enhanced, Education, DMV, and other screenings as applicable. Final candidates consent to a criminal background investigation per USG policy; disclosures may be requested during screening and prior to a conditional offer. References are required; some positions may require additional screenings.

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits harassment or discrimination against any person based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, or veteran status. For information or to file a complaint, contact the Office of Institutional Equity.