Animal Research Safety and Compliance Officer

Job Description

The department of Comparative Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for Animal Research Safety and Compliance Officer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The Animal Research Safety and Compliance Officer (Program Operations Specialist) is to provide occupational health, workplace safety, and biosafety support for personnel within the Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) under the direction of the Senior Director of Animal Resources and Operation. The primary focus of this role is supporting personnel working within DCM-managed animal facilities; while also providing occupational health, safety, and compliance support to DCM laboratory research personnel. This position plays a key role in promoting a safe and compliant work environment by ensuring staff have access to current information, training, and guidance to minimize the risk of injury and exposure to hazardous materials, support the safe conduct of animal research, and help the department maintain compliance with applicable institutional and regulatory requirements.

This role requires strong collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with DCM personnel, the University of Washington Environmental Health & Safety Department, the Office of Animal Welfare, and research personnel. Working closely with DCM leadership and institutional partners, the successful candidate will support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety and compliance initiatives, policies, and practices designed to reduce the potential for injury to all employees, researcher personnel, and animals within DCM-managed facilities while ensuring adherence to applicable health, safety, and animal welfare requirements. The position will also assist with the coordination and delivery of safety training and educational resources for DCM personnel and support the harmonization of safety, biosafety, occupational health, and compliance practices across DCM-managed facilities through standardized procedures, guidance, and program expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations and Program Management (35%)

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental safety, biosafety, occupational health, and compliance programs in close collaboration with DCM leadership and the University of Washington Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S)
• Develop, review, revise, maintain, and coordinate implementation of departmental SOPs, guidelines, procedural documents, emergency response procedures, and other program documentation to ensure regulatory compliance, operational consistency, and alignment across DCM-managed facilities.
• Coordinate occupational health enrollment and medical surveillance activities for DCM personnel.
• Support administration and implementation of respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), and animal allergy prevention programs.
• Oversee hazardous materials management activities, including maintenance of chemical inventories, accessibility of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and compliance with chemical handling, storage, and disposal requirements.
• Oversee biohazardous waste management activities, including waste handling, storage, treatment, recordkeeping, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Coordinate the inspection, maintenance, and certification of safety equipment and engineering controls, including biological safety cabinets, animal change stations, chemical fume hoods, safety showers, and eyewash stations.
• Collaborate with DCM leadership and operational staff to integrate safety and compliance considerations into facility operations and research support activities.
• Partner with facility managers and DCM leadership to standardize and harmonize safety, biosafety, occupational health, and compliance practices across DCM-managed facilities while accommodating facility-specific operational needs.
• Coordinate and actively participate in the DCM Safety Team, serve as a member of the UW Group 4 Health and Safety Committee, and participate in University committees and cross-functional project teams, as appropriate.

Compliance, Risk Assessment, and Incident Management (30%)

• Conduct routine inspections and audits of DCM-managed animal facilities, DCM laboratories and core facilities, and associated work practices to evaluate compliance with institutional, regulatory, and animal welfare requirements.
• Perform risk assessments for animal research and laboratory activities involving animal allergens, zoonotic diseases, biological agents, hazardous drugs, chemicals, physical hazards, and ergonomic risks.
• Identify hazards and recommend appropriate engineering, administrative, and PPE controls to reduce risk and promote safe work practices.
• Collaborate with DCM leadership, research personnel, EH&S, and institutional partners to evaluate safety and compliance concerns and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain electronic tracking, documentation, and correspondence systems to monitor compliance activities, inspection findings, corrective actions, training records, and designated occupational health requirements.
• Support institutional inspections, audits, accreditation activities (e.g., AAALAC International), and regulatory reviews.
• Serve as a liaison with institutional oversight groups, including EH&S and the Office of Animal Welfare.
• Monitor safety performance indicators, identify trends and recurring issues, and recommend strategies to improve compliance and reduce risk.
• Investigate accidents, injuries, exposures, and near-miss events occurring within DCM facilities and operations and in coordination with EH&S.
• Conduct root-cause analyses and develop corrective and preventive action plans to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
• Track and verify completion of corrective actions resulting from incidents, inspections, audits, and risk assessments.

Training and Education (25%)

• Assist with the development, coordination, and delivery of occupational health, workplace safety, and biosafety training programs for DCM personnel.
• Develop and maintain educational materials, safety communications, and guidance resources that promote safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Support employee onboarding, safety orientations, and routine and targeted retraining activities.
• Foster a positive culture of safety through ongoing communication, outreach, and engagement with DCM personnel and University partners.

Emergency Preparedness and Response (10%)

• Assist in maintaining emergency preparedness and response procedures, including fire safety, evacuation, spill response, and exposure response protocols.
• Serve as a key DCM liaison with UW Emergency Management, coordinating departmental participation in emergency planning, preparedness initiatives, training activities, exercises, continuity planning efforts, and communications related to emergency response and recovery.
• Participate in emergency planning activities, drills, exercises, and post-incident evaluations to improve organizational readiness and response capabilities.
• In collaboration with the Director of Husbandry Operations, become a member of and coordinate the University’s Re-Entry Assessment Team (RAT), including recruitment and support of team members, training and meeting coordination, equipment selection and inventory management, and review and revision of program documentation.
• Coordinate DCM’s fire and life safety activities, including assisting with the recruitment and training of floor wardens in DCM managed spaces.
• Review and update emergency response plans and associated SOPs at least annually, or as needed, and ensure personnel are informed of and familiar with applicable procedures. 
• Coordinate requests for evacuation exemptions and ensure approvals, documentation, and renewals are maintained in accordance with University requirements.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree  in science with major study in industrial hygiene, environmental, public health or occupational health and safety, microbiology or related field and
• Two years of work experience in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent combination of education/experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with health and safety program development and implementation
• A proactive, service-oriented mindset with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational & experiential backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, explore new areas, and seek opportunities to apply new knowledge to work. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and foster collegial and cooperative relationships with co-workers and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complicated work processes.
• Demonstrated ability to take direction.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong observational abilities.
• Critical thinking and pragmatic problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, revising, implementing, and managing standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, guidelines, and other technical or procedural documentation
• Adaptability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with a variety of software including Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) and calendaring systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with research laboratory and animal facility and husbandry operations
• AALAS ALAT/LAT/LATg certification
• Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Working Conditions

• Frequent traveling to and working in different animal facilities on and off campus will be required.  Use of personal car not required.
• May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures.
• Must be available to work 1 to 2 weekends per year and respond onsite during severe emergency conditions (e.g., major building system malfunctions and natural disasters).
• This is an essential position. The employee is expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW campus suspended operations.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW’s Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, and immunizations, such as tetanus and rabies, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds
• Physical ability required to do the work
• Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies and procedures

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$69,720.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$90,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.