Associate Director of Radiation Safety
The University of Chicago

Department

Provost ORS - Radiation Safety

About the Department

The Radiation Safety team works diligently to reduce human exposure to radiation through the proper management and disposal of all radioactive materials utilized in clinical, teaching and research activities at the University of Chicago. Our staff also oversees UChicago's X-ray radiation program and laser safety program.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Radiation Safety is a highly specialized position required by state and federal regulatory authorities for the University of Chicago's Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Safety Program. This position collaborates with the Director of Radiation Safety to manage the clinical and research safety operations of the Radiation Safety Program at UChicago. This position functions as the Associate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) for UChicago's state issued broad scope human use radioactive materials license as well as consults on other clinically related radioactive material programs (e.g., non-ionizing radiation) for both direct patient care and studies involving human research subjects.

Responsibilities

• The Associate Director of Radiation Safety leads and manages the day-to-day operational activities for University of Chicago's Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Safety Program in cooperation with the Director.
  
  In cooperation with the Director, is responsible for implementing the Radiation Safety Programs in accordance with federal, state, and other applicable regulations at the University of Chicago's campus, University of Chicago Medical Center, and satellite hospitals.
  
• Provides operational direction, expectations, mentorship, and professional development of staff. The radiation safety staff includes the Health Physicists, Associate Health Physicist, Radiation Safety Specialist, and Administrative Assistant.
  
• The incumbent may interact with all levels of management, diverse employee and student populations and cultures to accomplish identified goals and objectives and is expected to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor and to resolve any unplanned occurrences.
  
• Develops and conducts training programs for personnel working with radioactive material, radiation producing equipment, and other workers who work near radiation safety sources ensuing training meets regulatory standards.
  
• Prepares reports for the University and Medical Center's Radiation Safety Committee and its Subcommittees.
  
• Assists the RSO and Radiation Safety Committee to review human subject protocols, IACUC protocols using ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, or radioactive material.
  
• Provides consultation, guidance, and assistance regarding safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation to other institutional committees, University and Medical Center departments, Administration, and the appropriate regulatory authorities.
  
• Has the authority to suspend or terminate operation of any activity determined to be a radiological hazard to patients, occupation personnel, or the public pending review by Director.
  
• Oversees the receipt, opening, delivery, and transport of radioactive materials for regulatory compliance.
  
• Provides consultation to patients, family members, and visitors regarding appropriate radiation precautions and biological risks of exposure, as needed.
  
• Prepare shielding ionizing radiation design plans and submissions to the appropriate regulatory agency as needed.
  
• Responds to urgent and emergent calls as a member of the Radiation Safety on-call system.
  
• Managing and implementing the security program for Category 1 and 2 radioactive sources.
  
• Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests.
  
• Reviews new regulatory requirements for applicability to research safety and assess the impact of new or proposed regulations that would affects the Radiation Safety Program.
  
• Self-motivated to work independently following established policies and procedures.
  
• Requires in-depth knowledge and experience.
  
• Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services.
  
• Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions.
  
• Works independently, receives minimal guidance.
  
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
  
• Guides the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.
  
• Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
Driver's License - Multiple States
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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in physical science or engineering or biological science with a minimum of 20 college credits in physical science.
  

Experience:

• At least 7 years of professional experience in applied health physics.
  

Licenses and Certifications:

• 40 Hour HAZWOPER (can obtain during course of employment).
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including excellence as a team player are required with the ability to do multiple projects and manage deadlines.
  
• Must communicate effectively with diverse staff, both verbally and in writing. Ability to read and understand regulatory language.
  
• Requires alertness and attentiveness to details, good decision-making skills, demonstrated capacity and motivation to learn.
  
• Must be able to thrive in a busy environment, fully committed to the radiation safety and non-ionizing radiation safety programs (e.g., laser safety, magnetic safety, etc.) at the University and its Medical Center, and enthusiastic about joining a team dedicated to excellence in service.
  
• Requires the ability to follow instructions to meet radiation safety objectives.
  
• Strong math capabilities required.
  
• Demonstrates skills in planning and development of Safety Programs.
  
• Demonstrate effective people management skills in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Proven track record in managing relationships with outside regulatory offices.
  
• Eligible to obtain unescorted access to radioactive materials in quantities of concern. This includes an employment background check, and a fingerprint and criminal history check.
  
• Requires the application of theoretical functional knowledge, typically gained through formal education, equivalent work experience and/or licensure.
  
• Requires conceptual and practical expertise in own area and general knowledge of related areas.
  
• Job has a university-wide impact.
  

Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to walk/travel (approximately 3 miles or more daily) and also requires 35% sitting and 65% standing and walking/traveling.
  
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
  
• Must possess dexterity to maneuver 55 and/or 30-gallon drums with moving equipment (drum dolly, pallet jack, etc.).
  
• Occasionally pushing, pulling objects weighing 100 lbs. or less.
  
• Exposure to hazardous conditions within regulatory limits, such as exposure to radiation and radiation producing equipment, chemicals, biological agents, laser, and radioactive waste (mixed waste, low-level radioactive laboratory waste, and biohazardous waste).
  

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  
• Professional References (3) (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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