Principal Safety Specialist

UT MD Anderson

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 123,000 - 185,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

Tuition Assistance Program

Paid time off and holidays

Defined-benefit pension

Job summary

A leading cancer research institution in Houston, Texas is seeking a Principal Safety Specialist for the Radiation Safety team. This role involves oversight of radioactive materials use, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and collaborating with clinical and research partners. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a related field, extensive experience in radiation safety, and relevant certifications. The position offers a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary, and excellent benefits including medical coverage and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

10 years of Environmental health and safety experience required.
3 years in Health care or research facilities preferred.
Required certifications include Certified Health Physicist (CHP), CSP, MRSO, and ABR.

Responsibilities

Perform internal and external occupational dose calculations and exposure assessments.
Provide safety analyses for clinical protocols and give safety recommendations.
Assist in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Skills

Health Physics expertise

Radiation safety

Exposure assessments

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's Degree in Applied or Basic Science

PhD in Applied or Basic Science

Job description

The Principal Safety Specialist plays a critical role within the Radiation Safety team at MD Anderson Cancer Center, under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer. The Principal Safety Specialist supports the oversight of licenses and registrations that allow for the possession and use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment, ensuring all clinical and research activities are conducted safely and in compliance with State of Texas regulations. The Principal Safety Specialist collaborates closely with clinical, research, and technical partners to promote radiation safety for employees and patients across the institution.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this environment, the Principal Safety Specialist contributes to high-impact safety programs that support innovative clinical care and research while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance and occupational health.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Safety Specialist role is an experienced professional with advanced education in Health Physics or a related discipline, strong expertise in radiation safety within clinical and research environments, and current certification or licensure relevant to health physics practice. This individual brings deep technical knowledge, practical experience in patient dosimetry and shielding, and the ability to provide regulatory interpretation and safety leadership in a complex healthcare setting.

Salary: Minimum $59.13 - Midpoint $74.04 - Maximum $88.94 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week. The typical work schedule is flexible, standard Monday-Friday daytime hours (e.g., 7:00/8:00am - 4:00/5:00pm). Work location: Hybrid.

Why Us?

Employer‑paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined‑benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer‑paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Key Responsibilities

Radiation Safety Operations

Perform internal and external occupational dose calculations and exposure assessments
Conduct shielding calculations for clinical and research spaces
Evaluate Annual Limits on Intake, bioassay needs, and hazard assessments
Support safe handling and use of radioactive materials and radiation‑producing machines

Clinical and Research Support

Perform safety analyses for clinical protocols and provide safety recommendations
Assist clinics with assessments related to handling, storage, and shipping of radioactive samples for clinical trials
Provide exposure calculations for patients and occupational workers
Collaborate with clinical medical physicists to support patient and staff safety

Program Oversight and Audits

Provide oversight of the Radioprotective Apparel Program and validate inspection completion
Perform clinical audits for radiation and x‑ray programs
Focus on safety considerations for new equipment and new isotopes used in clinical and research settings

Training and Education

Provide radiation safety training for specific clinical protocols as required
Consult with departments on best practices for radiation safety

Regulatory Compliance

Assist in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Provide regulatory interpretations and technical assistance to departments
Consult and assist departments in developing, implementing, and revising written radiation safety procedures for radioactive materials, radiation‑producing equipment, laser systems, and MRI machines

EDUCATION

Required: Master's Degree Applied or Basic Science, Engineering field.
Preferred: PhD Applied or Basic Science, Engineering field.

Work Experience

Required: 10 years Environmental health and safety experience.
Preferred: 3 years Health care and/or research facilities.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: Certified Health Physicist (CHP) American Board of Health Physicists (ABHP). Upon Hire or
Required: CSP - Certified Safety Professional Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). Upon Hire or
Required: MRSO - Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer Magnetic Resonance Safety Certified (MRSC) American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS) Upon Hire
Required: Board certified by American Board of Radiology (ABR) in Diagnostic Radiological Physics specialty American Board of Radiology (ABR) Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

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