Radiation Safety Specialist

About the role

The Radiation Safety Program at the University of Chicago focuses on minimizing risk to laboratory personnel working with radioactive materials and lasers. Our team provides education and training to help individuals minimize exposure to radiation and laser hazards.

Responsibilities

• Aid in planning, scheduling, and conducting radiation and contamination surveys in Medical Center facilities.
• Perform wipe analysis and contamination assessments to ensure safe working conditions.
• Support patient therapy procedures, ensuring regulatory and safety precautions are followed.
• Conduct daily package receipt surveys and inventory entry in the database system.
• Support the radiation monitoring program, including distribution, collection, and tracking of personnel dosimetry.
• Conduct radiation safety training to University and Medical Center staff as assigned.
• Participate in emergency response activities, including spill response and contamination control.
• Perform instrument calibration and quality control checks to ensure proper function of radiation detection equipment.
• Manage radioactive waste, including preparation, delivery, surveys, and disposal of waste containers.
• Enter radiation safety records into a database to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
• Follow all biohazard, chemical, and radiation safety standards when handling potentially hazardous materials.
• Conduct surveys, audits, and inspections of laboratories and equipment to ensure compliance with University and Medical Center policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in implementing corrective actions and follow-up activities when noncompliance is identified.
• Interpret University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs.
• Maintain legal compliance and develop procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate health and safety concerns.
• Perform risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs and implement alternatives or improvements to current programs.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field and < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. A 40-hour HAZWOPER certification is preferred but can be obtained during employment.

Qualifications

Strong teamwork skills, effective verbal and written communication, high attention to detail, strong decision-making skills, and commitment to staying current with regulatory changes are required. Ability to follow instructions and apply them to meet safety objectives, strong mathematical skills, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs are also essential.

Skills

Ability to read, interpret, and apply regulatory language, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and support the Medical Center's radiation safety mission are key skills.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Pay

The University of Chicago offers a competitive salary range of $60,000.00 - $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The scheduled weekly hours for this role are 37.5.