Lab Safety & Operations Specialist

Albemarle•Kings Mountain, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Be an essential element to a brighter future. We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet. Job Description Albemarle’s Research & Technology (R&T) team is seeking a dedicated R&T Operations & HSE Specialist to ensure the proper operation and safety of diverse chemical laboratories and pilot facilities. In this role, you will provide operational and Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) support to the Kings Mountain, NC, R&T organization. The role requires a strong safety background, the ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally, and a hands-on problem-solving approach. You will be part of a highly technical fast-paced team that is creating new technology, frequently with hazardous chemicals and novel processes. Therefore, this role requires thinking on your feet, adapting to new situations, and providing informed safety guidance in complex situations. This position is on-site and full-time, and will report directly to the R&T Site Leader (VP of Core Technology).

Requirements

Associate degree in science, process operation, or equivalent; or 20+ hours of college Chemistry.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in lab, pilot or operating plant environment. 5+ years preferred.
Strong understanding of safety protocols and compliance regulations.
Familiarity and/or experience with OSHA regulations.
Confidence to issue Stop Work orders when necessary to ensure safety and compliance.
Strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards, even under time and business pressures.
Unafraid to speak up, take corrective action, and be accountable.
Clear and effective communication skills to ensure accurate information exchange, appropriate emergency responses and collaboration among cross-functional teams.
Ability to plan and execute complex projects, including coordinating with multiple departments and stakeholders
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of computer systems and software applications related to laboratory operations (e.g., Microsoft Office, SAP, Facilex, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory safety and chemical hygiene
Experience working with laboratory instruments and/or pilot-scale equipment
Experience with electrical and mechanical systems, and ability to troubleshoot minor electrical and/or mechanical issues.
Experience training new staff and ensure they adhere to safety protocols and procedures
Experience facilitating and participating in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) or safety audits
Relevant certifications such as OSHA 30-hour General industry, Certified Safety Professional, Lab Safety Management, First aid/CPR, etc.

Responsibilities

Provide Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) support to the Research & Technology team: Ensure a safe working environment for all by and enforcing OSHA, corporate, site, and R&T safety policies and requirements.
Provide practical safety guidance in complex and potentially ambiguous situations.
Drive continuous improvement in lab safety and operations.
Clearly communicate safety procedures and maintenance plans to team members.
Train R&T members in safe work permitting. Coordinate permit training, tracking, and ensure proper coverage (LOTO, confined space, hot work, etc.).
Conduct permit audits, LOTO verification, and permit retention checks.
Assist lab users with concerns or designs to ensure safe operations, and facilities teams with job scoping and planning.
Support hazard identification and equipment commissioning during Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs), lab risk assessments, and lab safety audits.
Facilitate root cause analyses (e.g., 5 Whys, FMEA, etc.).
Coordinate emergency preparedness drills and collaborate with the site’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) to develop appropriate responses. Actively participate in the ERT as R&T representative.
Proactively identify issues and continuous improvement opportunities: Conduct regular walk-throughs of R&T spaces to identify and resolve issues.
Manage safety inspections and ensure timely closure of action items.
Communicate with R&T and site teams to update incidents.
Anticipate potential problems and implement preventive measures.
Maintain accurate records of incidents, audit findings, and maintenance activities. Create leading indicators to identify areas of concern and preemptively address.
Ensure proper operation of lab and pilot facilities in coordination with site maintenance: Manage R&T maintenance requests and liaise between R&T team and site maintenance team.
Walk down maintenance requests before submission into SAP, drive prioritized timely action with the maintenance department and ensure satisfactory closure of requests.
Take a hands-on approach to troubleshoot minor mechanical issues in the labs.
Work closely with the Capital Projects team for the installation/construction of new equipment and facilities.