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Director of Chemical and Laboratory Safety (Chemical Hygiene Officer)

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the position of Director of Chemical and Laboratory Safety (DCLS). The Director of Chemical and Laboratory Safety is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $95,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Given Amherst's distinction as one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

The DCLS serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the Radiation Safety Officer, and the Laser Safety Officer of the College. The DCLS reports to the Associate Provost and Associate Dean of the Faculty and works closely with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The DCLS will provide training in the teaching and research laboratories for faculty, staff, and students on best practices for chemical safety; for hazardous materials handling and storage; for hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal; and best practices to minimize personal injury, health impairment, property loss, fines, and liability. The DCLS will develop and administer programs for chemical hygiene, risk management, and regulatory compliance; and advises science faculty, staff, and students on regulatory compliance and liability in matters pertaining to laboratory safety, hazardous waste management, radiation safety, and inventory management. The successful candidate will attend training courses as necessary to earn the certification required to fulfill the responsibility outlined above. The DCLS takes appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participates in the college's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Qualifications:

Required

Master's Degree in Biochemistry or related field

Some experience with safety and regulatory compliance in a laboratory or industrial setting

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express ideas effectively through public speaking

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software programs, including website management

Strong time management, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills

A commitment to, experience with, and the ability to work effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds

Experience with or knowledge of preparing technical reports

Experience with issue analysis and creative problem solving, along with the ability to provide strategic options and recommendations

Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift test

Successful completion of required reference and background checks



Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field

CHMM

Certified Chemical Hygiene Officer certification

More than three years of related experience in a college or university setting

Experience creating and delivering chemical hygiene, laboratory risk management, and regulatory compliance training programs for diverse groups

HAZWOPER Training (40 hours)

Experience with different types of training media, such as online and PowerPoint

Amherst College offers many opportunities for professional growth and development, continued learning, and career advancement.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at

this link .

Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted.

(Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen)

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Director of Chemical and Laboratory Safety (Chemical Hygiene Officer)

Full time

Published on 05/29/2025

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