Radiation and Laser Safety Officer (RSO/LSO)

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia.

Job Summary

Provides institutional leadership and oversight for all activities involving the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at Kennesaw State University. Manages the university's Radiation and Laser Safety Programs, administers the Radioactive Materials License issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and serves as the designated Radiation and Laser Safety Officer in accordance with state and federal regulations. Ensures compliance with applicable requirements from the DNR, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), OSHA, DOT, and the ANSI standards.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) with authority and responsibility for managing the university's Radioactive Materials License
• Serves as the institutional Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and oversee the safe use of Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems in research, teaching, and facilities operations
• Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive Radiation Safety and Laser Safety Programs consistent with Federal and Georgia's requirements
• Maintains the university's radioactive materials inventory, sealed source registry, and laser registration database
• Performs and documents routine radiation and contamination surveys, dosimetry reviews, leak tests, exposure assessments, and laser safety inspections
• Administers the personnel dosimetry program, evaluates exposure reports, and ensures timely corrective actions when needed
• Manages radioactive waste handling, including decay-in-storage, shipment, and disposal in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Provides radiation and laser safety training for faculty, staff, students, and/or researchers, including initial, refresher, and specialized training sessions
• Advises departments on radiation shielding, exposure control, and engineering controls for laser systems
• Investigates radiation or laser related incidents and exposures, identifies root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Maintains all required records, reports, and license documentation for internal review and regulatory compliance
• Supports and serves as an advisor to the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and Laser Safety Committee (LSC); prepares reports and presents program performance metrics
• Develops and revises university policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
• Collaborates with other department program leaders to promote integrated laboratory safety management across campus
• Supports other research and laboratory safety programs and activities
• Collaborates with the department on shared responsibilities and emerging safety needs

Required Qualifications

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Health Physics, Physics, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Other Required Qualifications: Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license
• Required Experience: Five (5) years of experience in radiation safety, health physics, or related regulatory compliance programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional Preferred Qualifications: Certification or eligibility as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• PREFERRED Educational Qualifications: An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in health physics, Industrial Hygiene, or related discipline
• PREFERRED Experience: Experience administering a radioactive materials license at a university or research institution

Abilities

• Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory standards including Georgia DNR Radioactive Materials Rules, NRC, DOT, OSHA, and ANSI
• Skills: Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
• Proficiency: Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
• Customer Service: Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.