Cyclotron Health Physicist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Cyclotron Health Physicist to lead radiation safety programs across EHS and BRIC, developing policies for cyclotron operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include dosimetry data review, incident response support, and collaboration with BRIC management to maintain safe facilities and practices.

Qualifications

• Health physics knowledge and regulatory familiarity required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills needed.
• Experience with university or medical radiation safety programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee safe operations of cyclotron and related facilities.
• Support radiation safety programs and BRIC management; provide dosimetry reviews.
• Assist with incident response and emergency planning within EHS.

Skills

Radiation safety

Dosimetry

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Master of Science in Health Physics

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The role of the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) department is primarily environment, health and safety functions at the University. In support of the University’s core mission, EHS will provide comprehensive environmental, health and safety services to the University community. This includes education through training and consultation, maintaining a safe environment through recognizing and controlling health and safety hazards, ensuring a process of regulatory compliance and minimizing future potential liabilities. By developing EHS programs and performing various periodic inspections we can provide a safe work place, ensure a process of compliance and minimize future potential liabilities. EHS is organized into eight (8) sections: Biological Safety, Environmental Affairs, Fire Safety & Emergency Response, Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety, Workplace Safety and Business & Support.

Position Summary

The Cyclotron Health Physicist position is an associate management position for the proactive management of radiation safety programs for the Department of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS); including the Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC), some non-hospital based human use licenses, and some non-hospital based x-ray facilities. This position reports to the Radiation Safety Officer and provides backup support to the other Associate Radiation Safety Officers (ARSOs), as well as using the resources of the work group to support the broad-scope research and medical radiation safety programs for UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Healthcare, and associated facilities. This position will also participate in the EHS emergency response program by providing expertise in response to incidents and accidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation in clinical and research settings. Key duties: Develop, along with BRIC management, specific policies and procedures for safe operations of a cyclotron, associated hotcells, radionuclide gas and water lines, PET/MR, PET/CT, CT, SPECT, and PET devices, nuclear magnetic resonance systems of varying frequencies, and a large whole body MRI. Position also supports the cyclotron engineer with dosimetry program, reviews radiation dosimetry data for employees of the cyclotron facility, and evaluates data for trends. Position manages special monitoring program for pregnant or potentially pregnant workers. This position also supports the cyclotron engineer with the effluent release program; manages X-ray registration and inspection program for all X-ray machines in Marsico Hall; manages radiation safety programs for radioactive materials in non-hospital based human use licenses; and manages the radiation safety programs for X-ray machines in non-hospital based clinics. Along with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Master of Science in Health Physics or an appropriate scientific discipline. Bachelor’s degree in related field and five (5) years health physics experience (or three years of specific particle accelerator experience) in lieu of a master’s degree may be considered. Certification in Health Physics or National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologist (NRRPT) or ABHP certification or ABR certification will be credited as experience.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience in a broad-scope university and medical radiation safety program is preferred but not required. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate using written, oral, and multimedia modalities. Demonstrated strong organization skills.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

This position is designated as Communicable Disease Mandatory Primary and Severe Weather Essential. This position involves traveling between campus and hospital buildings, standing for long periods of time, driving a vehicle, wearing respiratory protection, responding to emergencies, and transporting up to 10 pounds of equipment. Occasionally assist with moving lead bricks. Position duties also involve working in a hospital and medical environment with potential exposure to blood borne pathogens, potential exposure to hazardous materials, occasional night and/or weekend work.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.