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Lab Safety Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JR101769 Lab Safety Manager (Open) Job Posting Title: Lab Safety Manager Department: CC00036 WM001 | PROV | Provost's Office Job Family: Staff - Environmental Safety Worker Sub-Type: Regular ...

Summary The Lab Safety Assistant is responsible for assisting in the organization and preparation of science labs on the main campus and Metro Center. The lab assistant also assists instructors ...

Follow all lab safety protocols and quality assurance standards * Support additional lab tasks as needed Why Join Us: At Clear Choice Dermatology, we're committed to providing exceptional care-and ...

Follow all lab safety protocols and quality assurance standards * Support additional lab tasks as needed Why Join Us: At Clear Choice Dermatology, we're committed to providing exceptional care-and ...

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Lab Safety information

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$34

How much do lab safety jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab safety in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers, Principal Investigators, or specialized research scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, resulting in higher compensation compared to entry-level lab technician roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Safety, and why are they important?

To excel in Lab Safety, you need a strong understanding of laboratory protocols, hazardous materials handling, and relevant safety regulations, often backed by a science degree or specialized safety training. Familiarity with safety management systems, chemical inventory software, and certifications such as OSHA or biosafety training is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a proactive approach to risk identification are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a safe environment for all laboratory personnel.

What is the difference between Lab Safety vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab SafetyLaboratory Technician
CertificationsOSHA Safety Certification, OSHA 10/30-hourRelevant technical certifications, such as ASCP or other lab-specific credentials
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settings focused on safety protocolsLaboratories, medical labs, research facilities performing tests and experiments
Primary ResponsibilitiesImplementing safety procedures, training staff, ensuring compliancePerforming tests, preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Industry UsageUsed across industries to promote safety standardsUsed in healthcare, research, and industrial labs for testing and analysis

Lab Safety professionals focus on maintaining safety standards and training staff, while Laboratory Technicians perform testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in lab environments but serve different functions related to safety and technical work.

What qualification do I need to work in a lab?

To work in a lab, individuals typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent; many positions require a relevant degree such as an associate's or bachelor's in fields like biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Laboratory roles often require knowledge of safety protocols, proper use of lab equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training or specific technical skills.

Which safety job pays the most?

In the field of lab safety, roles such as Safety Director or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager typically offer the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, certifications like CSP or CIH, and strong knowledge of safety regulations and risk management. Salary levels depend on industry, location, and the size of the organization.

What are some common challenges faced in a lab safety role, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge in lab safety roles is ensuring consistent compliance with safety protocols among diverse team members, especially when new procedures or equipment are introduced. To effectively manage this, lab safety professionals often conduct regular training sessions, safety audits, and clear communication of updated guidelines. Collaboration with researchers, lab managers, and facilities staff is crucial to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions. Proactive engagement and fostering a culture of safety help to minimize incidents and promote accountability across the team.

What are the 12 lab safety rules?

Lab safety rules for laboratory personnel, including those working in lab safety roles, typically include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, knowing the location and proper use of safety equipment like eyewash stations and fire extinguishers, avoiding eating or drinking in the lab, handling chemicals and equipment carefully, following proper waste disposal procedures, maintaining a clean workspace, understanding safety data sheets, reporting accidents immediately, not working alone in hazardous areas, adhering to proper storage protocols, and receiving proper safety training. These rules help prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment in labs.

What is lab safety and why is it important?

Lab safety refers to the protocols, guidelines, and practices designed to protect individuals working in laboratory environments from injury, exposure to hazardous substances, and accidents. It is important because laboratories often handle chemicals, biological agents, and equipment that can pose significant risks if not managed properly. Following lab safety rules helps prevent accidents, ensures compliance with legal regulations, and fosters a culture of responsibility and awareness among lab personnel.
More about Lab Safety jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Safety jobs? Cities with the most Lab Safety job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Safety jobs? The most popular types of Lab Safety jobs are:
What states have the most Lab Safety jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Safety jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lab Safety job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Requisition:
JR101769 Lab Safety Manager (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Lab Safety Manager
Department:
CC00036 WM001 | PROV | Provost's Office
Job Family:
Staff - Environmental Safety
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular (benefited)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
Boundary 208
Primary Job Posting Location:
Posting Location - William & Mary
Job Description Summary:
The Lab Safety Manager (LSM) is an on-site position supporting academic and research operations by providing leadership to ensure compliance and safe laboratory environments. Reporting to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), the LSM collaborates with faculty, researchers, staff, and students to manage and improve programs in lab safety, biological safety, chemical safety, radiation safety, and laser safety. The LSM supervises the EH&S Specialist dedicated to lab safety programs.
The LSM supports personnel working in or affecting educational and research laboratories by providing safety services, leadership, and compliance oversight. The position manages laboratory safety programs and may assign or coordinate operational activities with the EH&S Specialist and, as needed, the broader EH&S Office.
The LSM supports the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and other safety committees by participating as a committee member, reviewing protocols, providing periodic inspections, offering technical safety expertise, reporting and investigating any significant research related accidents or illnesses, and assisting with related medical surveillance programs.
The LSM also serves as the institution's Biological Safety Officer and Laser Safety Officer, meeting compliance requirements associated with duties designated in the current issuance of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and the American National Standards Institute, NIH Laser Safety Program, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1 and Z136.5 standards. The LSM will coordinate with institutional safety partners to support effective, consistent safety and compliance programs throughout all campuses.
Job Description:
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, life sciences, or a related science or health and safety field.
  • In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NIH, CDC, ANSI, and other regulations and industry standards.
  • Advanced experience (typically 8 or more years) working in laboratory safety, a related field, or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
  • Intermediate experience (typically 5 or more years) in the field of biological safety.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse constituency.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage concurrent tasks.
  • Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point).
  • Ability to work within and manage data in a safety management software platform.
  • Training, or ability to successfully take training within twelve months of hire, for OSHA 30-hour training, RCRA Hazardous Waste Management training, Shipping Hazmat by Ground (DOT), 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations training.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, life sciences, or a related science or health and safety field.
  • Experience in higher education or research.
  • Experience with radiation safety and laser safety programs.
  • Professional certification (Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Registered Biosafety Professional, Radiation Safety Officer, Laser Safety Officer, or other recognized health and safety certification).

Conditions of Employment:
  • Position designated as essential to the operation of the department and may require reporting to work when the university is officially closed.
  • The incumbent will be required to participate in the department's on-call program and is required to work overtime and on weekends, as assigned.
  • Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to safety glasses and goggles, gloves, face shield, lab coat, safety shoes, hearing protection, and respirator.

Duties:
40%- Laboratory Safety Compliance, Regulatory Oversight, Inspections & Audits:
  • Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, NIH Guidelines, CDC biosafety standards, ANSI standards, and all applicable state, federal, and institutional regulations.
  • Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive EH&S programs, including the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Laser Safety Program (in alignment with ANSI Z136 standards), and other required safety programs.
  • Supports the institution's Radiation Safety Program in collaboration with the Radiation Safety Officer.
  • Maintains current knowledge of regulatory changes and updates programs accordingly.
  • Conducts routine laboratory inspections and audits to assess compliance and identify hazards.
  • Issues timely inspection reports with clear documentation of deficiencies and required corrective actions.
  • Oversee the implementation and tracking of corrective actions to closure.
  • Prepare summary reports of inspection findings, trends, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

15%- Safety Equipment Testing, Certification & Maintenance:
  • Ensures proper testing and certification of laboratory safety equipment, including emergency eyewashes and showers, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, snorkels, and other ventilation systems.
  • Coordinates equipment testing and maintenance activities with contractors, Facilities Operations, and laboratory personnel.
  • Maintains documentation and schedules for all required equipment certifications.
  • Identifies equipment deficiencies and ensures timely remediation.
  • Provides technical guidance on equipment selection and specifications for laboratory planning, relocation, and renovation projects.

15%- Training & Education:
  • Develops, updates, and delivers comprehensive EH&S safety training programs.
  • Provides training in multiple formats to accommodate diverse learning environments, including in-person, computer-based, online, and hybrid delivery methods.
  • Ensures training compliance for all laboratory personnel and maintains accurate training records.
  • Evaluates training effectiveness and implements improvements based on feedback and incident trends.
  • Participates in institutional safety committees and initiatives.
  • Provides expert technical consultation for mitigation of laboratory hazards and reviews laboratory designs and procedures to ensure incorporation of appropriate safety controls.

10%- Incident Investigation & Emergency Response:
  • Completes thorough investigations of incidents and near-misses, identifying root causes and contributing factors.
  • Communicates investigation findings and implements corrective actions tracked to closure.
  • Maintains emergency preparedness and response capabilities for chemical spills and laboratory accidents.
  • Provides timely technical support during laboratory emergencies.
  • Conducts emergency response training and drills.

10%- Chemical & Waste Management:
  • Oversees and ensures maintenance of chemical and waste management programs.
  • Manages the chemical inventory for laboratories using the EH&S-approved inventory system.
  • Ensures safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biological materials, hazardous waste, and other regulated waste streams.
  • Provides technical guidance on chemical compatibility, storage requirements, waste segregation, and hazard mitigation.
  • Coordinates with waste disposal contractors and ensures regulatory compliance for all waste management activities.
  • Supports laboratory planning and relocation projects regarding chemical storage and waste management infrastructure.

5%- Other Duties as Assigned:
  • Collaborate effectively with academic departments, the Research Compliance Office, and operational departments.
  • Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on laboratory safety matters.
  • Build strong working relationships to promote a culture of safety.
  • Represent Environmental Health & Safety on committees or institution-wide initiatives at the request of the director.

Posting Range: $80,000 up to $103,000 commensurate with experience
Additional Job Description:
Please apply by June 15, 2026
Job Profile:
JP1049 - Lab Safety Specialist - Exempt - S14
Qualifications:
Compensation Grade:
S14
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-05-28
Position Restrictions:
Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.