SHE Manager - Research and Animal Safety

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

11d • $105,710 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The SHE Manager – Research and Animal Safety provides strategic leadership and comprehensive management of safety, health, environment, and animal research safety programs in a scientific environment. The role designs, implements, and continuously improves laboratory and animal safety programs across R&D operations, protecting people, animals, research operations, and the environment while enabling compliant scientific work. Working with minimal supervision, the manager partners across functions to identify risk, strengthen regulatory compliance, influence stakeholders, and embed practical safety solutions aligned with Global and Gaithersburg SHE objectives.

The position oversees License to Operate requirements, Management of Change, investigations and corrective actions, data-informed decisions, and a proactive safety culture grounded in Human and Organizational Performance principles. It develops and maintains protocols, standard operating procedures, safety documentation, and site License to Operate requirements, and leads laboratory, animal safety, biosafety, and environmental compliance programs. The role is onsite in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and requires on-call coverage outside standard working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a scientific field such as biology, public health, safety, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of 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 organizational levels.
• 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

• 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.
• Lead laboratory, animal safety, biosafety, and environmental compliance programs, including waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability initiatives.
• 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.
• 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.
• Promote safety and environmental responsibility through visible leadership, stakeholder engagement, clear communication, one-point lessons, HOP-based learning, and safety communications across multiple platforms.
• Build 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.
• Maintain records, reports, and documentation in relevant systems, including AZ SHE systems, Enablon, SharePoint, WorkVivo, and related platforms.
• Provide required on-call coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for business-critical activities.

Benefits

• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
• Eligibility to participate in an equity-based long-term incentive program for salaried roles.
• Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Paid leaves.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

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