Head of Environmental Health and Safety

About Us MBC BioLabs offers flexible lab space for ambitious biotech companies tackling today's biggest challenges, currently supporting 200+ companies across five Bay Area sites - with a sixth on the way. Learn more at www.mbcbiolabs.com. Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Environmental Health & Safety professional to serve as the primary safety resource across the MBC BioLabs network. This is a high-impact, community-facing role: you will be the go-to expert for our resident startup companies and internal team alike, providing guidance that spans biosafety, chemical safety, regulatory compliance, permitting support, and emergency preparedness. You will drive network-wide safety programming, build relationships with regulatory agencies, and ensure MBC's own operations remain best-in-class, while serving as a trusted, accessible resource for the founders and teams working in our spaces. The ideal candidate is as comfortable advising a first-time founder setting up a BSL-2 lab as they are navigating a regulatory inspection or providing guidance on proper waste management procedures. A warm, approachable communication style, scientific credibility, and the ability to manage competing priorities across a diverse portfolio of companies are essential. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary EH&S point of contact for all five (soon six) MBC BioLabs sites and the startup companies operating within them Advise incoming companies on safety requirements, space configuration, and regulatory obligations as part of the onboarding process; provide ongoing guidance to existing companies launching new research directions Provide consulting and training support to member companies, covering topics including biosafety, chemical safety, and occupational health Train and support the MBC operations team on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and regulatory requirements Host monthly safety officers meetings for the MBC community, facilitating peer knowledge-sharing and keeping member companies current on regulatory developments Liaise with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies including fire marshals, health departments, and environmental inspectors; manage inspection readiness across all sites Manage vendor contracts for biohazardous waste disposal and emergency response training Assist member companies with permitting applications and renewals (building permits, use permits, biohazard registrations, etc.) on a consulting basis Maintain and continuously improve MBC's internal EH&S policies, procedures, and documentation Stay current on evolving regulations relevant to the biotech research community (Cal/OSHA, EPA, CDC/NIH biosafety guidelines, Cal/OSHA, County of San Francisco and San Mateo, local fire codes, etc.) Qualifications 5+ years of EH&S experience in a laboratory, biotech, or life sciences setting Strong working knowledge of biosafety (BSL-1 and BSL-2), chemical safety, relevant federal and California regulations, and Cal OSHA requirements Experience interfacing with regulatory agencies and managing permitting processes A warm, patient communication style and genuine enjoyment of working with scientists at all experience levels Demonstrated ability to communicate complex safety requirements clearly to researchers, operators, and non-technical staff Comfortable working across a large, diverse portfolio of companies with varying safety maturity levels Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications such as: CSP, CIH, or CHMM. Experience in a shared lab, incubator, or multi-tenant research environment Background in or exposure to early-stage biotech; comfort working with founders and small teams Work Environment This role involves regular travel across multiple Bay Area sites. Some off-hours availability may be required for inspections, incidents, emergencies, or time-sensitive permitting matters. Benefits Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan Paid time off and holidays Flexible schedule Professional development opportunities Pay Commensurate with experience Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their EH&S background and any experience supporting multi-tenant or startup research environments.

Pay:

From $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person