Research Operations Coordinator 

Office of Research and Innovation, Norfolk State University

Overview:

Norfolk State University is looking for candidates for a Research Operations Coordinator position. The coordinator will develop and implement an effective research operations program for the management of hazardous materials and processes in research, major research facilities and equipment, and personnel (faculty, staff, and student) safety while conducting research activities on campus.  The coordinator will play a pivotal role in the orchestration of research projects and activities that use major research facilities or equipment on campus, ensuring that research activities are conducted efficiently, ethically, and complying with safety and regulatory requirements. The coordinator will work under the supervision of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and institutional policies for the purchase, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements of specialized facilities and equipment, such as cleanroom, laser, radiation, and others.
• Coordinate with directors of research centers and laboratories to develop and manage effective procedures for personnel safety in research laboratories and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Develop and manage effective procedures for purchase, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning and disposal of major research equipment.
• Perform regular safety audits and inspections of facilities where lasers, radioactive materials, and hazardous materials or processes are used. Identify and address potential safety hazards.
• Collaborate with principal investigators to develop and implement protocols and procedures for the utilization and maintenance of major research facilities and equipment.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal and external stakeholders in research operation matters.
• Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies.
• Document all safety training sessions, audits, and inspections.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in chemistry, engineering, engineering technology, occupational safety, physics, or a related field.
• At least one year of research or research administration experience, or one year of experience in a laboratory setting; and at least three years of experience in a professional office setting.
• Demonstrated skills in the following: (a) expertise in purchase, operation, and maintenance of research equipment and tools, (b) safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, biological materials, laser safety, radiation safety, (c) good laboratory practice, quality standards and compliance for specialized facilities or equipment such as cleanroom, laser, radiation, (c) familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System, (d) clear communication skills to convey safety precautions effectively, and (e) addressing safety issues promptly, proactively, and professionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, engineering, engineering technology, occupational safety, physics, or a related field.
• Over 5 years of experience in laser and radiation safety management within a research or laboratory setting.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations and standards, including experience with compliance and regulatory audits.
• Advanced training in laser safety and radiation safety, including certification as a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and/or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
• Certification by the American Board of Health Physics or other relevant certifying body.