Research Specialist in Chemical Safety - Division of Research Safety

Research Specialist in Chemical Safety - Division of Research Safety

This position requires in-person work on the Urbana-Champaign campus and may require working outside standard hours including evenings and occasional weekends.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Division of Research Safety (DRS), is seeking applicants for a Research Specialist in Chemical Safety, to provide technical guidance to facilitate the safe use of regulated and hazardous materials in the conduct of research, teaching, and related activities, and enable compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding hazardous materials use and waste requirements associated with the Urbana-Champaign campus. DRS partners with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, campus researchers, unit safety contacts and the campus community to promote an effective, world-class safety culture.

Job Summary

The Research Specialist in Chemical Safety applies scientific expertise in hazardous materials, laboratory operations, and research methodologies to evaluate complex research activities and institutional processes across the university. The position partners directly with faculty, researchers, staff, and students to support the development and implementation of safe and effective experimental practices that strengthen programs, research operations, and campus activities. Drawing on a strong scientific foundation, the position helps researchers navigate applicable research compliance requirements in support of responsible research.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research Protocol Review & Advising

• Evaluate complex research protocols and novel experimental activities involving hazardous materials or specialized equipment.

• Perform rigorous exposure and risk assessments on novel experiments to determine appropriate physical and administrative controls, providing direct input on research practices to support safe operations and alignment with established scientific and institutional standards.

• Serve as the liaison and provide technical support between campus researchers and institutional compliance committees.

• Work with faculty and staff to standardize methodologies and protocols to ensure continued institutional accreditations.

• Laboratory Oversight & Methodology Support

• Conduct comprehensive laboratory and process assessments to evaluate operations and enforce consistent, experimental methodologies among research teams and operational units.

• Collaborate directly with Principal Investigators, research scientists, and laboratory personnel to identify hazards, mitigate physical risks, and develop specialized safety procedures.

• Analyze trends in laboratory operations, emerging research practices, and compliance findings to formulate necessary updates for campus policies, data management, and institutional reporting.

• Technical Operations & Program Management

• Manage hazard profiling, handling protocols, and legal disposal pathways for complex or mixed-regulated waste in alignment with environmental standards.

• Provide technical oversight and train personnel on decontamination techniques, specialized containment equipment, facility renovation compliance reviews, and campus monitoring programs.

• Outreach, Teaching, and Scientific Engagement

• Develop specialized resources and provide advanced instructional training to members of the research team, ranging from students to senior researchers, to enforce consistent experimental methodologies and compliance.

• Provide specialized onboarding and technical instruction to new Principal Investigators and research personnel to establish baseline competencies required for compliant experimental protocols.

• Maintain and expand scientific expertise through professional development, participation in scientific and professional organizations, and ongoing review of current literature and evolving research methodologies.

• Contribute to publications, presentations, and institutional initiatives that advance best practices in research and scientific operations.

• Incident Response & Investigation

• Respond to campus incidents involving hazardous materials or equipment, providing scientific and technical expertise to support local emergency responders during and after normal working hours.

• Direct complex physical decontamination efforts and immediate mitigation for high-hazard field situations.

• Perform rigorous root-cause analyses of laboratory accidents to develop long-term risk mitigation strategies and execute mandatory reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical biology or a closely related scientific or technical field. Alternate degree and degree fields and combination of degree and degree field and experience will be considered/accepted depending upon the depth and nature of the experience and relevance of degree as it pertains to this position.
• 2+ years experience working with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory environment, examining chemical reactivity, handling hazardous waste materials, and providing chemical management support.
• Experience performing risk assessments in areas with hazardous materials and applying best practices for working with hazardous materials in a laboratory setting. Undergraduate internships and research may count toward experience, if applicable to the experience sought.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master''s or PhD) in above noted fields.
• Experience involving compliance oversight with federal and state regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with standard laboratory operating procedures and an understanding of the research culture in a university setting.
• Exemplary communication, personal relations, team, and presentation skills.
• The ability to perform with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under stringent deadlines.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000 to $75,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037940

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu