SHE Specialist - Research and Animal Safety

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports AstraZeneca’s laboratory and animal research operations by identifying risks, maintaining compliance, and embedding practical safety solutions into daily work. The position offers exposure to research operations while building expertise in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, event investigation, safety program execution, and continuous improvement. The SHE Specialist will partner across functions to support applicable regulations, company standards, and AstraZeneca’s commitment to safety, health, environment, and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, safety, health, environmental, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in Biopharma R&D, laboratory operations, SHE, environmental health and safety, research safety, animal safety, or a related regulated environment.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety, regulatory requirements, risk assessment methodologies, and safety management systems.
• Strong computer skills, including experience or familiarity with systems such as Enablon and CapEx-related safety assessments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to partner across research, operations, engineering, and service provider groups.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, recommend practical solutions, and work onsite in research laboratory and animal care environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting research and animal safety programs in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic research, or regulated laboratory environment.
• Experience with investigations, CAPAs, Management of Change, inspections, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with Human and Organizational Performance principles and practical approaches to strengthening safety culture.
• Ability to build trusted partnerships, influence without authority, and translate safety requirements into practical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate hazards in laboratory and animal environments; support risk assessments for new processes, equipment, and operational changes.
• Partner with business teams to investigate injuries, illnesses, spills, and near misses; support root cause analysis, corrective actions, follow-up, and reporting.
• Maintain SHE protocols, SOPs, safety documentation, and site License to Operate requirements in alignment with regulatory and company standards.
• Conduct inspections and self-audits; document findings, communicate results, and track corrective actions to closure.
• Support safety meetings, communications, one-point lessons, HOP-based learning, and Management of Change activities.
• Promote sustainability, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement using safety data, metrics, and electronic systems such as Enablon.
• Partner with researchers, operations, engineering, and service providers to integrate SHE into daily work.

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: Mid Level