Health Physicist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team at Harvard University and help champion a culture of safety across research facilities. As a Health Physicist and key member of the Radiation Safety Services team, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. In this collaborative role, you will partner directly with researchers to find safe, practical solutions that support their scientific objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance. We are looking for an engaging, service-oriented professional who can communicate effectively across all levels of the University.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in health physics (or related field) or five years of related work experience. Education may count toward experience.
• At least two years of experience conducting comprehensive radiation laboratory safety analysis in a university, research, or highly regulated environment, including demonstrated ownership of program improvements (e.g., SOP updates, audits, corrective actions, or compliance process changes).
• Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations governing radiation use (MDPH, NRC, DOT, OSHA, and EPA).
• High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows OS, and the ability to use web-based EHS systems/databases and mobile technology for field work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written), with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Successful completion of criminal background and suitability investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Health Physics or a closely related field.
• Progress toward obtaining Certified Health Physicist (CHP) and/or Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) certification.
• Experience performing laser hazard assessments in accordance with ANSI Z136.1 (current edition).
• Proficiency and experience with full Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and presentation software required. Intermediate Excel skills and working knowledge of Windows operating system are required. Must have familiarity with email, voice mail, and be able to quickly adapt to emergency response procedures and protocols.
• Strong knowledge of regulations and best practices for academic radioactive material and radiation generating device use required.
• Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CHP preferred
• Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CLSO preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Associate Health Physicists and other EHS staff, as assigned, and support consistent implementation of radiation safety program requirements across labs.
• Own assigned elements of the Radiation Safety Program (e.g., SOP governance and periodic review). Maintain and advance proficiency in Health Physics instrumentation, methods, and best practices, and ensure program documentation remains current and inspection ready.
• Perform routine and job-specific surveys using dose-rate and contamination meters. Analyze results, conduct x-ray cabinet leakage surveys, and execute technical decontamination activities as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned laboratories. Build strong relationships with researchers, provide proactive assistance, training, and safety oversight in a positive, solutions-oriented manner.
• In a timely manner, document all inspections, radiological surveys, meter calibrations, meter QC checks, sample results, package receipt records, and shipping records for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct laboratory inspections to verify safe storage, use, and disposal of radiation sources (e.g., RAM, laser, x-ray, UV, RF, magnets), including review of engineering controls, training, SOPs, and required documentation.
• Support the radioactive waste program by evaluating, aggregating, and processing radioactive material (RAM) for appropriate disposal pathways. Harvard will provide DOT Hazmat Shipper training and qualification support, with ongoing maintenance of this qualification as part of the role.
• Understand the structure and function of all areas of EHS. Maintain familiarity with and participate in emergency cross training procedures.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to triage and/or respond to daytime and after-hours laboratory safety incidents, consistent with EHS Emergency Response Team requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision/management.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level