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.

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.

• 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…