Associate Radiation Safety Officer

Cornell University • City of Ithaca, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Cornell University is widely admired as one of the world’s most respected research and teaching institutions. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) provides comprehensive programs and services to support healthy, safe, and environmentally responsible practices for our world class faculty, staff, students and university community. EHS assists the campus community with compliance and promotes health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
With general oversight from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in Cornell University’s Environment, Health and Safety department, the Associate Radiation Safety Officer will manage assigned program areas within the overall University radiation safety program which requires an understanding of radiation safety principles, New York State regulations, Cornell license applications, and the Cornell radiation safety manual and procedures.
The Associate Radiation Safety Officer’s primary responsibilities include:
Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of radiation sources in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Occasionally required to exercise flexibility and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues, during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders (students, investigators, etc.).
Make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program. Manage and audit program areas, including: dosimetry, laser safety, inventory management and sealed sources, irradiators and security, QA/QC of detection equipment.
Provide expertise in radiological hazard assessment and control, safety training, and emergency response.
Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that all radioactive material and radiation producing equipment are utilized safely.
Develop innovative solutions to problems and situations involving radioactive material and radiation producing equipment.
Foster the progression of Cornell’s teaching and research goals. This responsibility extends to all facilities except Weill Cornell Medicine. Support other university radiation safety programs including radiation-producing equipment, nonionizing radiation, and radioactive waste.
This is an endowed position.
We are a value–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Requirements

• BS in health physics, nuclear engineering, radiological engineering, radiological sciences, physics or related fields.
• 3 to 5 years relevant experience in health physics, radiation safety, laboratory or other applicable experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with ionizing radiation.
• Experience with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
• Meet the NRC requirements for a Trustworthy and Reliable designation (10 CFR 37).
• 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.
• Familiarity with NRC/agreement state licensing and regulations.
• Familiarity with business software applications (e.g. MS Office, SharePoint).
• Commitment to provide excellent customer service.
• Strong time- and task-management skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical, medically qualified to utilize respiratory protection (i.e. full-face respirator, SCBA), capable of responding to and performing physically demanding work in a hazardous materials emergency.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, radiological engineering, radiological sciences, physics or related fields.
• Experience with chemical, biological, and radiation safety issues in a research environment.
• Experience working in a laboratory or in a laboratory safety program at a university or other research-based organization.
• Experience working under a broad scope radioactive materials license.
• Certification by one or more of the following organizations is preferred: ABHP, AAPM, ABR, NRRPT, BLS
• Experience in a research/academic environment.
• Graduate-level formal education is preferred.
• Familiarity with radiation safety software such as VARSKIN, MCNP/MCNPX, etc.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of radiation sources in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Occasionally required to exercise flexibility and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues, during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders (students, investigators, etc.).
• Make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program.
• Manage and audit program areas, including: dosimetry, laser safety, inventory management and sealed sources, irradiators and security, QA/QC of detection equipment.
• Provide expertise in radiological hazard assessment and control, safety training, and emergency response.
• Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that all radioactive material and radiation producing equipment are utilized safely.
• Develop innovative solutions to problems and situations involving radioactive material and radiation producing equipment.
• Foster the progression of Cornell’s teaching and research goals. This responsibility extends to all facilities except Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Support other university radiation safety programs including radiation-producing equipment, nonionizing radiation, and radioactive waste.

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: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), 2 floating holidays, and superior retirement contributions.
• Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees