Health Physicist

About the role

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 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.

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.
• Conduct leak testing and inventory management of radioactive sealed sources, and inventory of unsealed radioactive materials.
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in a related science field and 3 years of experience in Radiation Protection.
• Preferred certifications include Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
• Preferred technical skills include 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.

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).