Department: Office for Research Safety
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary:

Under Federal and State law, Northwestern University is required to have a qualified individual who serves as its Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).  The RSO is charged with ensuring compliance with its privilege to use radioactive materials—specifically the protection of individuals, the environment, and public health.  The RSO ensures adequate controls are in place for the use of ionizing radiation. Works in close cooperation with other technical staff in Research Safety.

Please note: On-call expectation, response in the event of an emergency

Specific Responsibilities:

Radiation Safety Officer

• Responsible for the identification, registration, and oversight in the safe (and secure) use of ionizing radiation in all aspects of the University's teaching and research activities under the conditions of its broad scope license. This includes the use of radionuclides, x-ray devices, irradiators, sealed sources, and NORM materials. Ensure Northwestern University’s compliance with its Broad scope License to use ionizing radiation (IL 01879-01)
• Program administration includes full responsibility for research registration, inspection, audits, general and site-specific training, personal protective equipment (if required) and equipment decommissioning in accordance with accepted standards and best practices. Ensures that there are not regulatory gaps and that quality assurance standards are commensurate with a well-run radiation safety program in an R1 research institution. Annually documents and attests to key compliance items required by law and as a matter of best practice in the profession. Remains well organized and informs other RS personnel how how and where records are kept.
• Develops and maintains internal and campus-wide standard operating procedures (SOPs), and all other documentation sufficient to demonstrate adequate control and oversight of ionization radiation by the institution. Develops specific SOPs for security, emergency response, first response to accidents or injuries involving ionizing radiation.
• Ensures effect administration of the Radiation Safety Committee.  Develops the agenda with the Committee Chair, organizes and holds meetings and generate through minutes.

Others Duties as Assigned

• Participates in emergency response activities of the Office and University.
• Participates in approved leadership activities within and external to the University.
• Develops and approved plan for professional development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An BS in health physics, physics, engineering (or an allied science discipline).
• At least ten years of progressively responsible work as a health physicist in a capacity that demonstrates leadership and management experience—ideally in higher education or the biomedical/ pharmaceutical industries.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, maturity, and good judgment. 
• Written and presentation skills acceptable in an academic environment.
• Must be physically capable of emergency response including the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be willing to carry a pager and cell phone after hours for emergency response. When on call must be able to respond to campus within one hour.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or Ph.D. in science preferred.
• Certified Health Physicist (CHP) or CIH

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Involvement in professional societies, academic publications, regulatory bodies, etc.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
  

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

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