Department

Provost ORS - Radiation Safety

Job Summary

The Health Physicist at the University of Chicago will support the Radiation Safety Program and Laser Safety Program. Their primary responsibilities include managing radioactive waste, overseeing radiation monitoring, conducting laboratory surveys, ensuring proper handling of radioactive materials, participating in emergency response, providing security escorts, assisting with medical procedures involving radionuclides, maintaining laser safety, managing databases, implementing the ALARA program, conducting radiation safety training, and ensuring instrument quality control. Work is supervised and assigned at the task level.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor compliance activities as designated by the University's strategic plans, ensuring adherence to regulations and laws.

• Manage and conduct surveys, audits in research/medical center laboratories, package receipt area, and other locations where radioactive material is used or stored, radiation producing equipment and lasers.

• Analyze data and initiate immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.

• Provide expert advice and consultation regarding the safe use of radioactive materials, radiation-producing equipment and lasers.

• Perform dose calculations and provide radiation safety consultations to occupationally exposed individuals, patients receiving therapeutic administrations of radioactive materials, and patients exposed to elevated levels of radiation during their procedure.

• Provide radiation safety precautions to therapy patients and their families during inpatient or outpatient procedures.

• Provide training to University and Medical Center staff in the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

• Provide on-the-job training and direction to Health Physicist(s), Associate Health Physicist(s), and Radiation Safety Specialists.

• Conduct leak testing and inventory management of radioactive sealed sources, and inventory of unsealed radioactive materials.

• As a member of the 24-hr. emergency response team: Carry the on-call pager; Respond to radiological incidents and accidents providing expertise, and guidance; Responsible for communicating with State officials and the FBI in the event of an emergency; Provide detailed written reports to determine corrective actions.

• Represent the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state, and local agencies, and prepare the University's position statements and responses to information requests.

• Plans and executes surveys, audits, and inspections of instruments, laboratories, and other facilities to ensure compliance with government and University policies and procedures. Analyzes data and initiatives immediate corrective action plans and follow-up to ensure implementation.

• Perform risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs and implement alternatives or improvements to current programs.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Driver's License - Multiple States

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in a related science field.

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in Radiation Protection.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Health Physicist (CHP).

• Eligible to obtain certification for unescorted access to radioactive materials in quantities of concern. This includes an employment background check, fingerprinting, and a criminal history check.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office.

• Understanding the functions of a general database for data entry and generating reports.

• Knowledge of radiological instruments.

• Skilled in using specialized equipment for radiation monitoring, laser safety, waste management, and instrument quality control.           

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local radiation and laser safety regulations.

• Expertise in data entry, monitoring, and maintaining radiation safety records.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including excellence as a team player are required with the ability to manage multiple projects and manage deadlines effectively.

• Must communicate effectively with diverse staff, both verbally and in writing.

• Requires alertness and attentiveness to details, good decision-making skills, demonstrated capacity and motivation to learn.

• Must be able to thrive in a busy environment, fully committed to supporting the radiation safety and laser safety programs at the University and its Medical Center, and enthusiastic about joining a team dedicated to excellence in service.

• Ability to identify and address issues in laboratory surveys, emergency responses, and regulatory compliance.

• Competence in handling emergency situations involving radiation and laser safety.

• Ability to develop, improve, and digitize training programs related to radiation and laser safety.

• Strong math capabilities required.

Working Conditions

• Walking/traveling approximately 2 to 4 miles daily.

• 20% sitting and 80% standing and walking/traveling.

• Lifting up to 50 lbs. maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

• Dexterity to maneuver 55 and/or 30-gallon drums using equipment like a dolly drum or pallet jack.

• Occasionally pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to100 lbs.

• Exposure to hazardous conditions within regulatory limits, including radiation and radiation-producing equipment, chemicals, biological agents, laser radiation, and radioactive waste (mixed waste, low-level radioactive waste, and biohazardous waste).

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$74,000.00 - $89,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.

In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for N\A