at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentProvost ORS - Radiation Safety
About the Department
The University of Chicago Office of Research works with faculty and deans to support and enhance research and to support and oversee institutional research infrastructure including University Research Administration (URA), Research Development Support, the Office of Research Safety, Research Computing Center, Globus, the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (CASE), and Schmidt Future Fellows.
The Radiation Safety team at the University of Chicago is committed to reduce human exposure to radiation through the proper management and disposal of all radioactive materials utilized in clinical, teaching, and research activities at the University of Chicago. Additionally, our staff also oversees UChicago's X-ray radiation program and laser safety program.
Job Summary
The Associate Health Physicist will provide support to the University of Chicago's Radiation Safety Program and Laser Safety Program. The primary functions and duties will be in the following areas: radioactive waste management, radiation monitoring program, laboratory surveys, package receipt surveys, radioactive material accountability, emergency response, escort users to secure locations according to internal procedures, coverage for medical procedures involving therapeutic use of radionuclides, laser safety, database entry, ALARA program, radiation safety training, and instrument quality control. Work is supervised and assigned at the task level.
Responsibilities
- Schedules and conducts surveys in research/medical center laboratories, package receipt areas, and other locations where radioactive material is used or stored.
- Provide radiation safety precautions to therapy patients and their families during inpatient or outpatient procedures.
- Conduct leak testing and inventory management of radioactive sealed sources.
- Perform instrument calibration and quality control checks.
- Performs dosimetry distribution and return as part of the radiation monitoring program.
- Deliver radiation safety training to University and Medical Center staff.
- Help implement the laser safety program, including classifying laser systems, reviewing standard operating procedures, and conducting laser lab audits.
- Conduct radiation safety surveys and audits in laboratories using radioactive materials or x-ray equipment.
- Be part of the emergency response team and carry the on-call pager.
- Assist the waste management program.
- Perform other assigned tasks under the supervision of the Director, Associate Director, Laser Safety Officer, and/or Health Physicist(s).
- Conducts 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.
- Performs risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs and implements 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.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:
Driver's License - Multiple States
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in a related science field, strongly preferred with 2 years of experience in Radiation Protection.
Experience:
- Experience in laser safety program desired.
Licenses and Certifications:
- 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.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills including excellence as a team player with the ability to handle multiple projects and manage deadlines effectively.
- Must communicate effectively with diverse staff, both verbally and in writing.
- Alertness and attentiveness to details, good decision-making skills, demonstrated capacity and motivation to learn.
- Ability to read and understand regulatory language.
- 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 follow instructions to meet radiation safety objectives.
- Strong math capabilities.
- Microsoft Office.
- Understanding the functions of a general database for data entry and generating reports.
- Knowledge of radiological instruments.
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 100 lbs. or less.
- 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)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account
