Health Physicist

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Health Physicist to implement and oversee the radiation protection program across X-ray, laser, and non-ionizing safety domains. The role supports audits, training, and compliance to enable safe education and research activities at the university.

Responsibilities include maintaining safety programs, developing policies, performing specialized surveys, and providing technical advice to supervisors and department heads.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of radiation safety principles and practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for labs and facilities.
• Experience with safety program audits and training.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee the radiation protection program for X-ray, non-ionizing radiation devices, and radioactive materials.
• Maintain instrumentation, inventory control, surveys, audits, training, transportation, environmental assessments, and waste management.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations through auditing and oversight to achieve required outcomes.
• Steward the University’s X-ray Safety Program.
• Steward the University’s Laser Safety Program.
• Steward the University’s Non-ionizing Safety Program, including UV, RF, and magnetic field safety.

Skills

Radiation safety

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), a part of Penn State's University Police & Public Safety, is seeking applicants for a Health Physicist position.

The Health Physicist is responsible for implementing and overseeing the radiation protection program involving X-ray devices, non-ionizing radiation devices (including lasers), and assisting with radioactive materials and radioactive waste. Program elements encompass instrumentation, inventory control, record creation and maintenance, surveys, audits and inspections, training, transportation, environmental assessment, and waste management. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations through auditing and oversight to achieve desired outcomes.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Steward the University's X-ray Safety Program


• Steward the University's Laser Safety Program


• Steward the University's Non-ionizing Safety Program, including responsibility for UV, RF, and magnetic field safety


• Implements radiation safety training programs, and specifically those for x-ray and laser safety


• Implements policies and procedures in compliance with university policy and state and federal regulations


• Implements quality assurance procedures for laboratory measurements and analysis


• Determines risks and performs specialized surveys to evaluate non-routine ionizing and non-ionizing radiation hazards


• Assists in emergency operations involving radioactive materials


• Provides technical advice and consultation to supervisors, department heads, and managers regarding ionizing and non-ionizing radiation practices, procedures, policies, and regulations


• Analyzes and researches data and may present findings at scientific and professional meetings


• Participates as a member of the EHS team, providing other departmental staff members with cooperation and support to further the departmental mission


• Assists in implementing or helps in implementing a wide variety of radiation safety services across a large research University environment in a manner that allows for safe & efficient education and research to take place

Within 6 months of hire, the successful candidate must obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License with Hazmat endorsement as well as a personal status of being trustworthy and reliable by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the repor