Laser Safety Specialist

About the role

The Laser Safety Specialist will support academic research throughout Cornell’s Ithaca campus by assisting with management of the laser, non-ionizing, and ionizing radiation safety programs. The position requires an understanding of radiation safety principles, New York State and federal OSHA regulations, and familiarity with how different types of radiation are employed in research laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise assessment and control of laser and magnet hazards.
• Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of laser, non-ionizing, and ionizing radiation equipment sources in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Exercise judgement, flexibility, and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders.
• Make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program.
• Administer and audit program areas, including lasers, magnets, and x-ray producing equipment.
• Develop and ongoing improvement of safety training and lab-specific procedures.
• Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that radiation sources are utilized safely.
• Develop innovative solutions to problems and situations involving lasers and x-ray producing equipment.
• Foster the progression of Cornell’s teaching and research goals.
• Support other university radiation safety programs including radioactive materials.

Qualifications

• BS in health physics, physics, or related fields.
• Two to four years’ experience working in a laboratory or in a laboratory safety program at a university or other research-based organization or equivalent combination.
• Experience working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements and ANSI standards for safe use of lasers.
• Familiarity with performing laser hazard assessment calculations.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels.
• Committed to meeting the needs of the research community while maintaining a high level of health, safety, and compliance performance.
• Committed to providing excellent customer service.
• Strong time- and task-management skills.
• Familiarity with business software applications (e.g. MS Office, SharePoint).
• Must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License.

Benefits

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions, and superior retirement contributions.