Radiation Safety Specialist
Job description
Department
Provost ORS - Radiation Safety
About the Department
The Radiation Safety Program at the University of Chicago focuses on minimizing risk to any laboratory personnel that works with radioactive materials. Examples of radioactive materials may include ionizing radiation, X-rays, radioactive isotopes, etc. Our team works diligently to provide the best education and training to help individuals minimize their exposure to any source of radiation. Our radiation safety team also oversees the Laser Safety Program at UChicago and focuses on minimizing risk to individuals who work with Class 3b and 4 lasers. Our specialists strive toward providing the best advice, education, and training to help individuals minimize the hazards of working with lasers.
Job Summary
The Radiation Safety Specialist supports the University of Chicago’s Radiation Safety Program and Laser Safety Program. The primary functions and duties will be in the following areas: radioactive waste management, radiation monitoring program, laboratory surveys, package receipt surveys, radioactive material accountability, emergency response, escort personnel to restricted or controlled locations according to internal procedures, coverage for medical procedures involving therapeutic use of radionuclides, laser safety, database entry, ALARA program, radiation safety training, and instrument quality control. Work is supervised and assigned at the task level.
Responsibilities
Assist in planning, scheduling, and conducting radiation and contamination surveys in Medical Center where radioactive materials are used or stored.
Perform wipe analysis and contamination assessments to ensure safe working conditions.
Assist with patient therapy procedures to ensure all regulatory and safety precautions are being followed, perform patient room setup as necessary to control contamination, conduct patient room decontamination procedures to include the removal of all equipment that contains radioactive contamination and removal of radioactive waste and survey of room for contamination.
Conduct daily package receipt surveys and inventory entry in the database system.
Support the radiation monitoring program, including distribution, collection, and tracking of personnel dosimetry.
Conduct radiation safety training to University and Medical Center staff as assigned.
Participate in emergency response activities, including spill response and contamination control.
Perform instrument calibration and quality control checks to ensure proper function of radiation detection equipment.
Perform radioactive waste management duties, including preparation, delivery, surveys, and disposal of waste containers.
Conduct data entry of radiation safety records daily into a database to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Follow all biohazard, chemical, and radiation safety standards when handling potentially hazardous materials, and attend annual safety/radiation safety training classes, as appropriate.
Conduct surveys, audits, and inspections of laboratories and equipment to ensure compliance with University and Medical Center policies and regulatory requirements.
Assist in implementing corrective actions and follow‑up activities when noncompliance is identified.
With a high level of guidance, interprets University environmental health and safety standards to assist in the design and implementation of programs. Ensures legal compliance and develops procedures. Monitors and evaluates health and safety concerns.
Performs risk analysis on the University's environmental and occupational health and safety programs and implements alternatives or improvements to current programs.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Driver's License - Multiple States
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Degree in health physics or a closely related field.
Licenses and Certifications:
40-hour HAZWOPER desired but can obtain during employment.
Preferred Competencies
Strong teamwork skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with diverse staff and stakeholders.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply regulatory language.
High attention to detail, strong decision‑making skills, and commitment to staying current with regulatory changes.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and commitment to supporting the Medical Center’s radiation safety mission.
Ability to follow instructions and apply them to meet safety objectives.
Strong mathematical skills.
Working Conditions
Ability to walk or travel approximately 2–5 miles daily; work involves roughly 20% sitting and 80% standing/walking.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., with frequent lifting or carrying of items up to 25 lbs.
Dexterity to maneuver 30‑ and 55‑gallon drums using equipment such as drum dollies or pallet jacks.
Occasional pushing or pulling of objects weighing up to 100 lbs.
Work may involve exposure—within regulatory limits—to radiation, radiation‑producing equipment, chemicals, biological agents, and various types of radioactive waste.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled
Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $69,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.
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.
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.