Labs Safety Specialist

Job Purpose:

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is seeking a skilled and proactive Facility Technician – Labs Safety Specialist to support the safety, compliance, and operational excellence of its cutting-edge laboratories and core research facilities. This role plays a critical part in implementing and maintaining the university’s Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Management System, ensuring that all research activities particularly in robotics, mechatronics, human data, and engineering workshops adhere to UAE and international safety standards. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on technical expertise in mechanical, electronics, or computer engineering, combined with a strong commitment to fostering a safe and innovative research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

EHS Strategy, Management, and Compliance

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the MBZUAI Research EHS Management System (EHSMS) in alignment with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Develop and maintain research-focused EHS policies, procedures, and performance indicators to ensure full institutional compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and support to faculty, researchers, and staff, promoting a strong safety culture through training, communication, and engagement initiatives.
• Manage EHSMS documentation, including audits, inspections, incident reports, and management reviews, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
• Coordinate with UAE regulatory authorities (ADOSH, FANR, OSHAD, ADPHC, Civil Defense) for audits, inspections, and certifications.
• Support the Research Head of Core Labs in developing EHS budgets, reports, and institutional safety plans.
• Oversee ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification and renewal processes, integrating sustainability and energy management objectives within research safety programs.

Collaboration, Documentation, and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams, including Safety, Compliance, Facilities, and IT to support research goals and ensure integrated safety and automation systems that meet regulatory and quality standards.
• Conduct and support risk assessments, ensuring that automated systems and research processes comply with all applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document system designs, architecture, configurations, integration points, operational procedures, manuals, change logs, and training materials to maintain a complete and auditable knowledge base.
• Monitor EHS performance metrics and recommend improvements to the Research Facilities Director.
• Represent MBZUAI in professional safety networks, conferences, and collaborative workshops, maintaining awareness of international best practices and emerging regulatory trends.

Laboratory and Research Safety Management

• Oversee day-to-day EHS operations across all research labs and workshops, ensuring safe working conditions.
• Conduct laboratory design safety reviews, risk assessments, and pre-operational safety checks for new facilities.
• Implement risk controls and monitor compliance for activities involving robotics, automation, high-voltage systems, machining, and mechanical testing.
• Coordinate periodic lab inspections, incident investigations, and compliance audits.
• Ensure all safety equipment is properly maintained and certified.

Hazard-Specific Safety Programs

• Robotics & Mechatronics Safety: Review laboratory risk assessments and verify that engineering controls (interlocks, emergency stops, workspace zoning) are documented and functional. Monitor robotics operations for compliance with approved safe-work procedures.
• Electrical & High-Voltage Safety: Review and monitor safety procedures for electrical and electronic research activities. Confirm that safe practices during testing, maintenance, and equipment use are reflected in EHS documents and risk assessments.
• Laser & Optical Systems Safety: Coordinate the institutional laser-safety program by maintaining classification records, verifying signage, and ensuring user training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance.
• Thermal & Cryogenic Safety: Review safety documentation for cryogenic systems, furnaces, and temperature-controlled setups. Verify that custodians have implemented proper PPE, ventilation, and emergency arrangements.
• Human–AI Interaction & Ergonomics: Assess safety and ergonomic considerations for projects involving human-data collection, wearable sensors, or motion-capture systems. Review participant-safety protocols and laboratory setups for compliance.
• Radiation & Electromagnetic Exposure: Maintain oversight of radiation-emitting or high-frequency devices. Coordinate with the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) on documentation, shielding verification, and user-training compliance.
• Chemical & Biological Safety: Provide oversight into the limited use of chemicals or biological samples during prototyping or collaborative work. Review labeling, storage, and disposal practices for compliance with UAE and institutional standards.

Training and Competency Development

• Prepare and deliver induction and lab-specific EHS training for researchers and students.
• Conduct refresher sessions on risk assessment, PPE use, waste handling, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure all researchers achieve EHS competency prior to lab access authorization.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response

• Develop and implement emergency plans for laboratory incidents (fire, chemical spill, electrical shock, or laser exposure).
• Coordinate and conduct emergency drills with Facilities Management and Civil Defense.
• Lead post-incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and follow-up action tracking.
• Maintain readiness of fire safety and first-aid equipment across all research areas.

Other Duties

Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or related field.
• A postgraduate degree will be preferred.

Professional Experience:

Essential

• Minimum 12 years of progressive EHS/QHSE experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles across multi-site, mission-critical environments (e.g., data centers, research labs).
• Proven track record in implementing and maintaining EHS Management Systems aligned with ISO standards.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary lab safety programs (robotics, mechanical, electrical, biological, and chemical research).
• Excel in multi-tasking, organization, communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, risk analysis, incident investigation, work ethics, reporting, and time-management to thrive under pressure with a results-driven service mindset

Preferred

• Professional certifications in safety implementation in research facilities (e.g. ISOs, EHS, EHSMS, FANR, ADOSH, OSHAD, ADPHC, NFPA, etc.).