Senior Health Physicist

Summary of Position

The Senior Health Physicist is responsible for implementing portions of the Radiation Protection Program, supporting policies, programs and procedures as directed by the Health Physics Manager or designee.

The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of complex radiological assignments to minimize personnel exposures to radiological hazards and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and procedures. This position monitors radiation safety compliance by providing radiological support to the production of radiopharmaceuticals, research and development as well as project activities. Health Physicists conduct regular radiological surveys, oversee the use of radioactive materials, perform instrument calibrations, conduct area, process and program audits as necessary. Additionally, this position conducts regular environmental sampling and analyses as well as personnel training to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and hazard assessments. Work at this level is distinguished by the application of technical knowledge of radiation safety, regulatory requirements and guidance as well as interpretation of radiological analyses. Perform similar and related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm. There will be occasional support beyond normal work hours (i.e., off shift, weekend, night shifts, holydays) and during radiological emergencies as business needs require. Work from home is expected to be sporadic during personal emergencies and at the discretion of the Health Physics Manager.

Essential Functions

• Lead program functions and/or support groups with use of radioactive materials.
• Ensure the implementation of assigned elements of the Radiation Protection Program.
• Must maintain operational compliance with US and international regulatory agencies and guidelines (i.e. FDA, EU, HC, TGA, PIC/S, ISO, USP, NRC, cGMP, etc.).
• Inspect and audit operations involving the use of radioactive materials to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate and site policies, permits, procedures. Recommend and implement corrective actions when appropriate.
• Develop and implement Radiological Work Permits for non-routine radiological activities.
• Provide radiation safety support to assigned projects.
• Lead projects related to radiation safety.
• Write technical reports for regulatory compliance or project support.
• Serve as backup for the Health Physics Technicians.
• Conduct regular radiological surveys on site-wide facilities to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct instrument calibrations, leak test of radiation-emitting sources, environmental sampling and analysis of radiological samples.
• Generate and maintain appropriate documentation and record keeping in accordance with program documentation requirements. Perform radiological incident investigations and present results to the Health Physics Manager or Radiation Safety Officer. Recommend and implement corrective actions where appropriate.
• Promote and implement safety programs to maintain a safe working environment through training, awareness, and compliance to policies, programs and procedures.
• Develop, implement and review Standard Operating Procedures relative to the safe use of radioactive materials and regulatory compliance.
• Review proposed regulations and evaluate potential program impacts.
• Provide radiological support to emergency conditions and response.
• Maintain compliance to federal, state, local, and industry radiation protection regulations.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree or equivalent certification in radiation or physical sciences; OR, Associate degree or equivalent AND five years of radiation monitoring experience; OR, any equivalent
  combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Certifications from the American Board of Health Physics or National Registry of Radiation
• Protection Technicians are preferred.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and cross-functionally.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of radiation, health physics principles, and math.
• Advance knowledge of U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements and guidance and their implementation.
• Project Management experience.
• Laboratory experience.
• Technical writing experience.
• Advanced knowledge of cyclotron operations.
• Advanced knowledge of sample collection and analyses for NRC compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of industry best practices for radiation safety and their implementation.

Working Conditions:

• Willingness to work in plant producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
• Responsibilities include the ability to lift up to 70 pounds, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, must be able to physically negotiate stairs and evacuation ladders with or without accommodation, wear and operate safety equipment, enter vessels, and inspect equipment.
• Material handling devices (e.g., hand truck, fork truck, and conveyors) are used when possible, however, use of proper lifting and movement techniques is necessary to prevent injury.
• Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hearing protection as needed.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8+ hours a day while performing duties.
• Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
• Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.
• Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.