Site HSE Specialist

Job Description Summary

This role is a Program Lead for designated occupational health programs across the Durham campus. This role will support implementation of robust HSE programs to ensure the protection of associates and the environment, as well as adherence to all external regulations and internal HSE standards/policies. In addition, this role will contribute to a strong, proactive, and enabling HSE culture for the campus’s overall GTx/LMO/ADP operations.

• Lead and continuously enhance Occupational Health programs to ensure a safe, compliant, and high‑performing work environment across the campus.
• Act as Biological Safety Officer, safeguarding employees and operations through rigorous risk assessment, controls, and training for biological materials.
• Enable safe innovation by partnering on change management and ensuring robust HSE impact assessments, risk evaluations, and control readiness for new operations and technology transfers.
• Design and deliver impactful HSE training programs to build knowledge, capability, and a strong culture of safety across employees and contractors.
• Drive proactive risk management through site inspections, incident investigations, and implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and lead safety committees to strengthen engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement in HSE performance.
• Support emergency preparedness and response programs, ensuring readiness and resilience across the site.
• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and Novartis standards, embedding best practices to meet and exceed compliance expectations.
• Serve as a trusted Subject Matter Expert during regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring transparency and excellence in HSE practices.
• Champion a culture of safety and care, empowering all associates to contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and high‑performing workplace.

• 5+ years of HSE program development/management experience in a manufacturing/laboratory environment preferably within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
• Professional HSE certification (e.g., RBP, CIH) or a strong desire to attain them.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in biological and chemical risk assessments, as well as development/management of robust risk control programs.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for collaboration, creativity in problem solving, flexibility, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective multi‑tasker with ability to plan, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks with high quality as part of a high‑paced work environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing regulations and requirements in conjunction with the delivery of effective HSE programs.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600.00 and $ annually.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills and experience. Upon joining Novartis, the salary will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may adjust the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.