SHE Manager - Research and Animal Safety

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

3d • $105,710 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This senior role is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving laboratory and animal safety programs across R&D operations. Working with minimal supervision, you will partner across functions to identify risk, strengthen regulatory compliance, influence stakeholders, and embed practical safety solutions aligned with Global and Gaithersburg SHE objectives. You will play a visible leadership role in maintaining License to Operate requirements, driving Management of Change, leading investigations and corrective actions, using data to inform decisions, and promoting a proactive safety culture grounded in Human and Organizational Performance principles. Develop, implement, and maintain SHE protocols, standard operating procedures, safety documentation, and site License to Operate requirements in alignment with applicable regulations, company standards, and best practices. Provide leadership for laboratory, animal safety, biosafety, and environmental compliance programs, including waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability initiatives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a scientific field such as biology, public health, safety, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in biosafety, bench research, animal research safety, laboratory operations, SHE, environmental health and safety, Biopharma R&D, or a related regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead risk assessments, event investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, inspections, audits, and Management of Change activities.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety principles, regulatory requirements, safety management systems, and SHE documentation requirements.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including experience with electronic safety management systems such as Enablon and related reporting, documentation, or collaboration platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence, advise, and partner effectively with diverse audiences and varying levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze data, evaluate options, identify risks and tradeoffs, recommend a fact-based path forward, and solve complex problems with sound judgment.
• Comfort working onsite in laboratory and animal research environments.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience conducting research or animal experiments.
• ASP, RBP, CSP, CHMM, CIH, or other applicable safety certification.
• Prior experience with laser safety, animal safety protocols, biosafety, IBC or IACUC processes, or service as an IBC/IACUC administrator.
• Experience with SharePoint, Enablon, WorkVivo, aTune, CapEx-related safety assessments, or other SHE management systems.
• Familiarity with Human and Organizational Performance principles and practical approaches to strengthening safety culture.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships, influence without authority, and translate complex safety requirements into practical guidance for scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead risk assessments for new processes, equipment, operational changes, laboratory renovations, and Management of Change activities; develop strategies to reduce risk exposure and support safe, compliant operations.
• Conduct inspections and program self-audits across laboratories, facilities, and animal care environments; document findings, communicate results, and ensure corrective actions are tracked to timely closure.
• Lead or support investigations for injuries, illnesses, spills, near misses, and other SHE events; determine root causes, prepare reports, implement corrective actions, and ensure accurate documentation in electronic safety management systems such as Enablon.
• Use SHE data, metrics, benchmarking, and trend analysis to identify improvement opportunities, recommend practical solutions, and communicate the strategic value of SHE initiatives to stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility through visible leadership, stakeholder engagement, clear communication, one-point lessons, HOP-based learning, and safety communications across multiple platforms.
• Build trusted partnerships with researchers, operations, engineering, service providers, regulatory agencies, and site leadership to understand operational needs, influence decisions, and integrate SHE into daily work.
• Develop training, guidance, and communications that translate regulatory and company requirements into practical expectations for laboratory and animal research environments.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking, strong judgment, effective time management, attention to detail, and the ability to move between tactical execution and broader organizational impact.
• Maintain records, reports, and documentation in relevant systems, including AZ SHE systems, Enablon, SharePoint, WorkVivo, and related platforms.
• On-call coverage is required. Employees may participate in an on-call rotation and be available outside standard working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to support business-critical activities.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity
• Equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)
• Retirement contribution (hourly roles)
• Commission payment eligibility (sales roles)
• Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan)
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid leaves
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior