Radiation Safety Specialist

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

7d•$87,414 - $101,590•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. With general oversight from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in Cornell University’s Environment Health and Safety department, the Radiation Safety Specialist will support academic research throughout Cornell’s Ithaca campus by assisting with management of the laser, non-ionizing, and ionizing radiation safety programs. The position requires an understanding of radiation safety principles, New York State and federal OSHA regulations, and familiarity with how different types of radiation are employed in research laboratories. The Radiation Safety Specialist’s primary responsibilities include: Provide expertise assessment and control of laser and magnet hazards. Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of laser, nonionizing, and ionizing radiation equipment sources in compliance with regulatory requirements. Exercise judgement, flexibility, and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders. Make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program. Administer and audit program areas, including lasers, magnets, and x-ray producing equipment. Development and ongoing improvement of safety training and lab-specific procedures. Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that radiation sources are utilized safely. Develop innovative solutions to problems and situations involving lasers and x-ray 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 radioactive materials. 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. 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, physics, or related fields.
Two to four years’ experience working in a laboratory or in a laboratory safety program at a university or other research-based organization or equivalent combination.
Experience working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers.
Familiarity with OSHA requirements and ANSI standards for safe use of lasers.
Familiarity with performing laser hazard assessment calculations
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.
Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Strong time- and task-management skills.
Familiarity with business software applications (e.g. MS Office, SharePoint).
Must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License. Out-of-state employees must obtain and show proof of a NYS license within 30 days of starting employment.
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 or doctoral degree in health physics, physics, or related fields
Two years’ professional experience managing laser or radiation safety programs
Experience with chemical, biological, and radiation safety issues in a research environment
Laser Safety Officer Certification from the Board of Laser Safety

Responsibilities

Provide expertise assessment and control of laser and magnet hazards.
Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of laser, nonionizing, and ionizing radiation equipment sources in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Exercise judgement, flexibility, and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders.
Make “on-the-scene” decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program.
Administer and audit program areas, including lasers, magnets, and x-ray producing equipment.
Development and ongoing improvement of safety training and lab-specific procedures.
Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that radiation sources are utilized safely.
Develop innovative solutions to problems and situations involving lasers and x-ray producing equipment.
Foster the progression of Cornell’s teaching and research goals.
Support other university radiation safety programs including radioactive materials.

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.

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