Head of Occupational Health & Safety

The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) is a leading biomedical research organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through cutting-edge scientific research. To support its mission, LIH is seeking a skilled Head of Occupational Health & Safety who will play a key role in maintaining a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while shaping and promoting a strong culture of health and safety across our research facilities.

The Head of Occupational Health & Safety will be responsible for:

• Providing expert guidance and ensuring compliance on occupational health and safety aspects related to LIH buildings to ensure high safety standards are consistently maintained.
• Implementing and maintaining a robust health & safety management system aligned with ISO 35001, ISO 45001, and other relevant frameworks.
• Supporting employee health, safety, and well-being.
• Acting as “Travailleur Désigné” in compliance with Luxembourg labor law

Key Accountabilities

Strategic OHS Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and imporve OHS management processes, including: risk assessment and prevention, emergency preparedness and crisis management, communication and training programs, safe handling of chemicals and biological materials, waste management and hazardous material disposal, incident management and root cause analysis, alarm and evacuation system mangement, first aid.
• Serve as the Subject matter Expert (SME) in OHS, ensuring compliance with best practices.
• Promote a strong OHS culture in our research environment and stay updated on regulatory changes.
• Provide leadership and professional development for OHS team members.

As “Travailleur Désigné”:

• Ensure legal compliance with worker safety and health regulations.
• Monitor risk assessments, accident prevention, and workplace safety measures.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and communicate health and safety plans, including evacuation procedures.
• Organize emergency response drills and liaise with regulatory bodies such as ITM, health and safety authorities, and emergency response services.

OHS Process Development & Implementation:

• Oversee environmental impact assessments.
• Develop and maintain biosafety and biosecurity protocols.
• Design and deliver OHS training programs.
• Ensure worker health protection through preventive measures, including vaccination programs, workplace assessment and ergonomic evaluations.
• Manage regulatory notifications and approvals for hazardous material use.
• Lead the Biosafety Committee meetings and coordinate related activities and follow-up on key actions.
• Conduct workplace inspections and oversee incident management.
• Review and approve biosafety-related quality documents.
• Implement and monitor a first-aid readiness program.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Biosafety, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in OHS management, ideally within a research or healthcare setting. Experience in the safe handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials is a strong asset.
• In-depth knowledge of Luxembourg workplace safety legislation and hands-on experience with OHS management systems such as ISO 45001, ISO 35001, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and incident response.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in IT tools, particularly OHS-related software and compliance management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment.
• Fluency in English and French is required; knowledge of other languages such as German or Luxembourgish is considered an asset.