Associate Radiation Safety Officer

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

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. The Associate Radiation Safety Officer, under general oversight from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in Cornell University’s Environment, Health and Safety department, will manage assigned program areas within the overall University radiation safety program. This role requires an understanding of radiation safety principles, New York State regulations, Cornell license applications, and the Cornell radiation safety manual and procedures. The position involves working directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support for the safe utilization of radiation sources in compliance with regulatory requirements, often requiring flexibility and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders. The Associate RSO will make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program, manage and audit program areas such as dosimetry, laser safety, inventory management, sealed sources, irradiators, security, and QA/QC of detection equipment. Key functions include providing expertise in radiological hazard assessment and control, safety training, and emergency response, as well as inspecting facilities using radiation hazards to ensure compliance and safe utilization of radioactive material and radiation producing equipment. The role also involves developing innovative solutions to problems and supporting other university radiation safety programs, all while fostering the progression of Cornell’s teaching and research goals, excluding facilities at Weill Cornell Medicine. This is an endowed position, and employees are expected to support the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity, and participate in staff development trainings and performance evaluations.

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.
Support other university radiation safety programs including radiation-producing equipment, nonionizing radiation, and radioactive waste.

Benefits

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
superior retirement contributions
award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives
childcare and adoption assistance
parental leave
flexible work options