Safety Advisor

About the Role Columbia University Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is seeking a Safety Advisor to deliver safety services to a dynamic research community. The role involves assessing laboratory safety procedures, implementing compliant, sustainable solutions, and communicating effectively with Principal Investigators and staff. The Safety Advisor will collaborate with EH&S colleagues and university partners to manage biological, chemical, and radiation safety programs across campus research enterprises. What You'll Do

• Conduct surveys for laboratory safety, hazardous materials and hazardous waste management and research protocol compliance, including primary interface with Principal Investigators and senior laboratory staff, and follow-up/closure visits for corrective actions.
• Perform quarterly laboratory audits for radioactive materials use and inventory verification.
• Escort New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Laboratory Inspection Unit personnel during laboratory permit inspection visits.
• Assist laboratories in achieving and maintaining compliance with FDNY and other relevant laboratory safety standards in advance of FDNY permit inspections.
• Assist laboratories in responding to corrective actions identified by FDNY.
• Perform chemical and non-chemical hazard assessments of various laboratory and non-laboratory activities and assist in making appropriate recommendations for exposure minimization (i.e., product substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, etc.) and perform follow-up to ensure recommendations have been implemented and are effective.
• Perform chemical fume hood face velocity measurement and certification in accordance with the chemical fume hood certification schedule, as well as upon request and following maintenance or repair, and enter certification data into EH&S database.
• Respond and participate in emergency responses in laboratories and administrative buildings (hazardous materials, indoor air quality, water intrusion and mold assessments) both during and outside standard business hours.
• Assist in proactively communicating ongoing status, resolution and detailed reports to all affected parties.
• Support the Academic Machine Shop and Respiratory Protection programs.
• Assist with vendor-based hazardous waste activities as needed by ensuring transfer, storage and disposal of laboratory wastes comply with University policies and government regulations.
• Contribute to the development and presentation of training, data and outreach materials to inform University research community and partners (e.g. Facilities, Public Safety, etc.) of relevant safety programs and conditions to advance University safety culture. Inclusive of, but not limited to, regular monthly trainings and specialized topics and sessions for University groups.
• Support inspection readiness program for assigned laboratories, including development of internal laboratory profiles and electronic database record-keeping.
• Support the University’s laboratory sustainability program through departmental workgroups and laboratory-based activities, including educating research personnel regarding waste reduction and proper waste segregation and recycling, as well as monitoring performance.
• Perform accident/incident investigations related to research operations.
• Assist in documentation and recordkeeping for various EH&S programs.
• Conduct hazardous materials clearances in laboratories and support EH&S Fire Safety, Facilities Operations, and Capital Project Management, throughout a project’s lifecycle, as needed.
• Assist in the inventory, management and maintenance of university industrial hygiene equipment, including scheduling and training of applicable staff in proper use.
• Develop professional contacts at peer institutions with What We're Looking For
• Self-driven and proactive, able to work in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment.
• Knowledge of basic health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective, collaborative problem-solver.
• Experience conducting safety assessments, risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
• Ability to interface with Principal Investigators and senior laboratory staff; client-focused and relationship-building mindset.
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate with EH&S colleagues and university stakeholders to implement safety program elements.
• Willingness to respond to emergency situations outside standard business hours.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety standards, regulatory requirements and permit processes; FDNY-related experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with data management and training materials development. Nice to Have
• Experience with Level-C hazardous materials response.
• Experience supporting respiratory protection programs or academic machine shop safety activities. Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: $67,300 - $75,000
• Hybrid work arrangements may be available; flexible scheduling discussions during the interview process.