Health Physicist

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Building: 617 West 168th Street, 2nd Flr
• Salary Range: $78,000-$88,000

Position Summary

Reporting to, and under the supervision of the Director and Radiation Safety Officer of the Research Radiation Safety Program, the Health Physicist supports the day-to-day operations of the University research radiation safety programs and the Environmental Health and Safety departmental mission. The position provides professional health physics services to laboratories and facilities using radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment across multiple campuses and affiliated locations.

The Health Physicist applies established radiation protection principles and exercises sound professional judgment under general supervision. The role emphasizes regulatory compliance, field operations, researcher engagement, and program support, while escalating complex or novel issues to senior staff and the RSO as appropriate.

SUBJECT TO BUSINESS NEEDS, WE MAY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS. OPTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.

Responsibilities

• Supporting compliance with New York City Article 175, New York State Part 16, and other federal, state, and local regulations, under the direction of the RSO;
• Fostering a collaborative, service-oriented approach to radiation safety that supports research while maintaining regulatory compliance;
• Supervising and directing the activities of Associate Health Physicists or other assigned staff as appropriate;
• Collaborating with Senior Health Physicist(s) and the RSO on program initiatives, inspections, and special projects;
• Performing and documenting radiation protection audits, surveys, and inspections of rooms, departments, areas, or facilities where radioactive materials and/or radiation-producing equipment are used to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations;
• Reviewing and interpreting radiation protection audit/survey/inspection results, recommending corrective and preventative actions, and following up to verify completion;
• Providing technical guidance to researchers, staff, and students on radiation safety requirements, best practices, and ALARA principles as they relate to laboratory operations.
• Performing appropriate surveys for non-clinical x-ray-producing equipment, including x-ray irradiators, x-ray diffraction systems, and radiographic equipment for non-human applications;
• Conducting surveys on radiation-protective equipment, including fixtures, devices, and personal protective equip-ment in accordance with established procedures;
• Maintaining inventories and performing routine quality control measurements of radiation detection instruments, sealed source radioactive materials, and radiation emitting devices;
• Performing and documenting receipt surveys of incoming radioactive material shipments and distributing shipments of radioactive materials to researchers;
• Responding to radioactive material spills, contamination events, and other radiation safety incidents in accordance with established procedures;
• Assisting with incident documentation, follow-up surveys, and implementation of corrective actions under the guidance of senior staff and the RSO;
• Identifying trends or recurring issues observed during inspections or incident response and communicating observations to senior program staff;
• Preparing routine and specialized reports related to inspections, surveys, instrument performance, waste activities, and incidents.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements, including use of electronic tracking systems where applicable.
• Assisting with the radioactive waste program, including managing waste storage and preparing radioactive waste for disposal;
• Achieving and maintaining in-depth knowledge of cyclotron and laboratory policies, procedures and operations that may affect radiation exposure of employees, visitors, or the public;
• Supporting the calibration, monitoring, operation, and reporting of air emission monitoring systems;
• Performing related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a physical, biological or other related science and a minimum of two (2) years demonstrated experience in radiation protection or a closely related field, OR
  
• Master's degree in a physical, biological or other related science and one (1) year demonstrated experience in radiation protection or a closely related field.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and manipulate a full 55-gallon/400 pound drum using appropriate equipment.
• Ability to wear a respirator.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eligibility for certification by the American Board of Health Physics, the American Board of Medical Physics, the American Board of Radiology, or an equivalent certifying body;
• Familiarity with radiation safety programs in a university or research environment;
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment;
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students at all levels;
• Attention to detail and proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with electronic radiation safety or compliance management systems is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Type other requirements and/or special indicators if CUIMC

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.