Safety Specialist

Under the supervision of Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Sandra Ramirez, the Radiation Safety team at MD Anderson Cancer Center oversees licenses and registrations for the possession and use of radioactive material and radiation-producing equipment. The team ensures all clinical and research use of radiation complies with State of Texas regulations and is conducted safely for employees and patients.

About the role

The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Medical Physics, Physics, or Engineering. This early-career position offers exposure to all aspects of medical and academic (non-clinical) health physics, working within a highly experienced team that includes multiple board-certified health physicists and medical physicists. The role also provides opportunities to engage with other areas of environmental health & safety and emergency management.

This position is well-suited for a motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual eager to apply foundational knowledge while developing advanced technical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Consult and assist departments in developing, implementing, and revising written radiation safety procedures for using radioactive material (RAM), radiation-producing machines, lasers, and MRI equipment.
• Consult and assist with ALARA investigation cases and maintain the dosimetry program, including additions/deletions, coordination of dosimeters, and report generation.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with all local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations; provide regulatory interpretations and technical assistance.
• Provide oversight and support of the dosimetry program and the Radioprotective Apparel Program.
• Assist in the proper packaging and shipment of radioactive material.
• Provide additional support for the safe handling and use of radioactive material and radiation-producing machines.
• Deliver Radiation Safety training as needed.
• Perform clinical audits for radiation and X-ray programs on campus and at HAL locations.
• Perform lab inspections and assist with other program areas as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Applied or Basic Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Valid Texas driver's license (Class A, B, or C) depending on vehicle type and weight, and eligibility to drive State and institutional vehicles.

Qualifications

Preferred Education: Advanced degree in Engineering, Applied or Basic Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Preferred Work Experience: Early-career with up to two years of experience.

Preferred Certifications (upon hire):

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) – Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).
• Certified Health Physicist (CHP) – American Board of Health Physicists (ABHP).
• Certified Industrial Hygienist – American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).
• Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) – American Biological Safety Association (ABSA).
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) – Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
• Licensed Medical Physicist (MP) – Texas Board of Licensure for Professional Medical Physicists.
• Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Licensed Asbestos Consultant (ASB-C) – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Licensed Asbestos Project Manager – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Licensed Asbestos Supervisor (ASB-S) – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) – Board of Certified Hazard Control Management (BCHCM).
• Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP) – Board of Certified Hazardous Control (BCHC).
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) – International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
• Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) – Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists.
• Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (LMAC) – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Licensed Mold Technician – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Licensed Asbestos Inspector – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Certified Fire Inspector I or II (CFI-I, CFI-II) – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE) – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) – Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP).
• Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) – Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP).
• Certified in Public Health (CPH) – National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).
• Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
• Registered Sanitarian (RS) – Texas Department of State Health Services (Tx DSHS).
• Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) – American Hospital Association (AHA).
• Certified Environmental Services Professional (CESP) – American Hospital Association (AHA).
• Hazardous Materials Handling Certification (HM-181, HM-215-A, HM-126-F) – Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) General Site Worker – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Certified Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner – International Code Council (ICC).
• Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) – Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII).
• Certified Healthcare Provider Continuity Professional (CHPCP) – Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII).

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement benefits.
• Tuition benefits and educational opportunities.
• Individual and team recognition programs.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $64,000 USD
Midpoint Salary: $110,000 USD
Maximum Salary: $156,000 USD

Schedule

Full-Time, regular position with a Day/Evening work week. Hybrid onsite/remote work location.