University Chemical Safety Adviser

Full time: 35 Hours per week

Open-ended (permanent)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the University of Edinburgh’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Department. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Specialist Safety Advisory Services the University Chemical Safety Adviser is a new role which will play a vital role in ensuring that the wide range of chemicals used across the University are managed safely. 

The Chemical Safety Adviser will have responsibility for advising on regulatory requirements with regards to chemical safety, driving improvements in chemical safety practices and providing specialist support, advice and direction to staff working with hazardous substances across the University. The Chemical Safety Adviser will also support and where required lead investigations involving hazardous substances and liaise with regulatory authorities and other interested parties as required.

Additional key responsibilities will include the development of chemical safety management standards and guidance, development of specialist training packages for staff and responding to regular requests for support and assistance from senior managers, school and department safety professionals and other colleagues.

The post is full-time (35 hours per week) and open ended. During your probationary period there will be a need to be present regularly on campus and to be flexible on appropriate days to undertake work. Out of hours work may be required on occasion to provide support serious incidents and infrequent travel for networking/conferences will be required.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A degree level qualification in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline (or equivalent relevant experience) 
• An academic qualification in health and safety (minimum of NEBOSH National General Certificate or an equivalent qualification) and membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
• A detailed knowledge of chemical safety legislation and techniques used to assess the risks posed by chemical hazards in the workplace along with the identification and implementation of effective, proportionate control measures to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to constructively engage with and influence individuals at all levels of an organisation including the ability to communicate complex, technical safety information clearly and concisely.
• Experienced in the design and delivery of training courses relevant to chemical safety in the workplace.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to reach rational, balanced and proportionate conclusions working both alone and as part of a team.

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