Health Physicist

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Health Physicist to support the Radiation Safety Program. This role involves managing radioactive materials, conducting safety inspections, and collaborating with research teams. Ideal candidates will have a background in health physics and experience in radiation safety protocols. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Health and life insurance

Generous paid leave

Retirement programs

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree and 3+ years of related experience.
• Preferred: CHP certification and experience with radiation safety.

Responsibilities

• Assists the RSO in maintaining the Radiation Safety Program.
• Conducts inspections for laboratories using radioactive materials.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in health physics or radiological health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Level

P3 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)

Campus

Columbia

Work County

College / Division

Division of Law Enforcement and Safety

Department

DAF Radiation Safety

State Pay Band

Approved Starting Salary

65,539

Advertised Salary Range

65,539 -$98,308

Location of Vacancy

Part / Full Time

Full Time

37.5

Work Schedule

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Environmental Health and Safety

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https : / / uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Health Physicist assists the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to maintain the daily functions of the Radiation Safety Program. Daily functions include, but are not limited to, radioactive materials procurement, package receipt, shipping, surveys, inventory, inspections, training, and instrument calibration. Assists to fulfil requirements described in the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) regulations required for the University to possess a Type A Broad Scope Research and Development specific radioactive materials license, which authorizes the possession and use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material. Serves as the primary contact for the laser safety program. Executes program operations at the direction of the RSO to promote a strong laboratory safety culture and compliance with applicable regulations, standards, guidelines, and policies. Partners with faculty, staff, and students to help equip the research community to recognize radiation hazards and to implement controls to mitigate any identified risks. Successfully collaborates with all members of the research safety team. Contributes to a positive work environment and strives for continuous improvement in all assigned duties. Meets with the RSO regularly to discuss Radiation Safety Program challenges, accomplishments, and opportunities for improvement.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and / or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure / Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in health physics or radiological health and 3 or more years of directly related experience or master's degree in health physics or radiological health and one or more years of directly related experience. Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP), Board of Laser Safety (CLSO), or another closely related professional Board (CIH). Demonstrated experience with the daily management of licensed radioactive materials within a Radiation Safety Program possessing a Broad Scope Research and Development Radioactive Materials license. Demonstrated experience and current training in shipping radioactive and hazardous materials in compliance with DOT and IATA. Demonstrated experience with radiation measurements for fixed and removeable contamination. Demonstrated experience with licensed radioactive material purchasing and procurement. Experience in laser safety including hazard analysis calculations, laser safety program development for Class 3B and 4 lasers, and familiarity with ANSI Z136 standards. Experience with radioactive waste management. Experience conducting radiation safety inspections and training. Experience responding to incidents involving radioactive materials. Experience working as part of a research safety team at a large academic or research institution. Willing to learn new or complex principles and methods for radiation safety.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Ability to effectively communicate with laboratory principal investigators, staff, and students. Basic knowledge of the principles and methods of radiation safety. Ability to interpret and apply radiation safety regulations, standards, and guidelines under direct supervision. Ability to conduct radiation safety inspections and training. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail related to assigned duties. Skills to effectively collaborate with the research safety team and laboratory researchers to accomplish program objectives. Proficiency using Microsoft Office. Ability to learn and use a research safety management system.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Conducts inspections for all laboratories and areas restricted for radioactive material use. Monitors and follows up with laboratories that have radiation safety inspection deficiencies with overdue corrective actions. Serves as an emergency responder for incidents involving radioactive materials.

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Maintains the radioactive sealed source inventory, leak checks, and program records.

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Serves as the primary contact for the laser safety program. Conducts inspections of Class 3B and 4 lasers. Conducts a comprehensive hazard assessment for each laser set-up. Collaborates with the ARSO to maintain the laser safety program.

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Maintains and annually calibrates all portable survey meters for measuring ionizing radiation. Coordinates annual external vendor calibration of EHS meters. Maintains annual calibration records. Prepares monthly metrics for work activities. Performs other duties as assigned to support critical operations or special projects.

Percentage of Time

Job Duty

Manages the daily activities for radioactive material use such as procurement, package receipt, shipping, and ad hoc radiation surveys. Serves as a radiation safety training instructor. Supports the radioactive waste program to ensure timely pick-up, delivery, and analysis of waste.

Percentage of Time

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive

Hazardous weather category

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date

03 / 13 / 2025

Job Close Date

04 / 27 / 2025

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by April 27, 2025.

Quicklink for Posting

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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Health Physicist • Columbia, SC, United States