Radiation Safety Officer & Director, Division of Radiation Safety - Office of Environmental Health & Safety

Position Summary
Manages Radiation Safety Program for Washington University (WU) and for other contracted organizations within and affiliated with the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). Oversees licensing and the use of radioactive materials in approximately 800 research laboratories at WU; 5 cyclotrons, commercial radiopharmacy, and irradiators at WUSM; blood banks, nuclear medicine services and radiation oncology services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH) and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (BJWCH); and the use of high-field magnets, x-ray devices and non-ionizing radiation sources at WU facilities. Manages radiation safety service contract with BJH/BJWCH/SLCH and affiliates, providing contracted radiation safety services.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as Radiation Safety Officer for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Type A Broad Scope Medical Use License and Cyclotron Production License.

• Serves as Radiation Safety Officer for WU, WUSM, and affiliated organizations in accordance with RSO responsibilities as described by the NRC and Missouri MRCP, as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), American College of Radiology (ACR), and other relevant regulatory or accreditation organizations.  

• Manages radiation safety service contract for large diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, cardiology, and other medical services, primarily for dosimetry services and general radiation safety training. Serves as member, or supervises member, of safety oversight committees for BJH, BJWCH, and SLCH.

• Serves as 10 CFR 37 Reviewing Official.

• Ensures security of Category I and II isotopes as well as all radioactive materials.

• Designs and manages radiation safety program. Responsible for establishing, maintaining and auditing policies and procedures to implement program.

• Manages Radiation Safety Office contracts.  

• Ensures radiation is used safely in accordance with approved policies and procedures and with regulatory and accreditation requirements so that the program adequately protects radiation workers, patients, ancillary personnel, visitors and the public.

• Provides training for personnel exposed to ionizing radiation in their training or work, including didactic and hands-on training to staff and trainees with respect to use of radioactive materials.

• Conducts radiation safety evaluations, surveys and reviews.

• Serves as member of Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and various Subcommittees of the RSC and as a member of the institutional Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC). Plans agenda for RSC and provides appropriate data to facilitate the exchange of information and consensus decision making.

• Contributes expertise in the planning of new or remodeled facilities to ensure adequate shielding, exhaust and radiation safety equipment.

• Evaluates, develops and maintains safety programs for non-ionizing radiation sources, e.g., laser safety, UV safety, and high-field magnets, etc. Provides physics and QE support for these programs as necessary.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Handles radioactive materials and radioactive waste and works around other radiation sources, may handle hazardous materials.

Work assignments are performed primarily in an office environment. Must be physically able to walk to many locations within WU and Medical Center. Will need to lift and carry packages or survey instruments. Will be required to successfully pass a criminal background evaluation, including FBI fingerprint background check, to meet 10 CFR 37 security program requirements as a Reviewing Official.

Will be required to wear radiation dosimeters, and bioassay may be required using radiation monitoring measurements and analysis of bioassay samples. May need to wear personal protective equipment such as coveralls, laboratory coat, safety glasses, gloves, booties, lead apron, and a respirator, as required. May be required to successfully complete DOT HM126f training if assignments include shipping of radioactive material or waste. 

Employee must take part in assigned training, and demonstrate understanding and active participation in WU and Medical Center compliance programs with respect to regulatory requirements and WU policies. Work involves interaction with personnel who may be exposed to ionizing radiation and requires an individual commitment to communicating the need for program participants to maintain doses at levels that are as low as reasonably achievable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Health Physics or Medical Physics.
• Ten (10) years of Radiation Safety Officer experience at a large medical research and joint hospital facility, which includes cyclotron production of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Ability to serve as a qualified expert (QE), and supervise other QE’s, for the Washington University radiation producing equipment program registration as issued by the Missouri Radiation Control Program (MRCP). 
• Ability to apply physics-based knowledge to a variety of healthcare situations; ability to perform workstation monitor calibration a plus.
• Expert knowledge and experience with all facets of medical and research radiation safety including MIRD internal dose methodology, environmental monitoring and evaluation, emergency radiological response, survey instrument calibration, assay of radioactivity, shielding calculations, interfacing with State and Federal regulatory agencies, including NRC broad-scope medical licensing, preparation of budgets and cost recovery strategies. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with persons of very diverse training.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Health Physics or related science and five years of Radiation Safety Officer or Associate Radiation Safety Officer experience at a medical research institution. 
• Must fulfill training and experience requirements specified by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for an RSO, including appropriate training and experience or board certification. 
• Must have a thorough knowledge of NRC regulations.

Required Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Required to have a valid driver’s license. May be required to obtain a Class E driver’s license (e.g., current IL driver’s license or MO “chauffeur’s” license) if assignments include routine operation of University vehicles.

Grade
G00

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.