Associate Health Physicist

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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

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Independently perform a wide range of tasks related to the implementation of radiation safety services including RSS permit review, security audits, surveys, inspection support, accident investigation, and respond to emergencies.

As a member of the Radiation Safety Services’ team, Associate Health Physicists (AHPs) provide technical expertise and professional guidance for the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at Harvard University. Under the direction of the Assistant Radiation Safety Officer, Associate Health Physicists are responsible for ensuring the safe use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material (RAM) and radiation emitting devices (ionizing and non-ionizing) throughout the University campus locations. Associate Health Physicists interact directly with researchers in the Harvard laboratories and use independent judgment to support researchers. Associate Health Physicists are expected to exhibit and promote awareness and sensitivity to safety issues and ‘As Low As Reasonably Achievable’ (ALARA) principles in a positive manner throughout their day-to-day work in Harvard labs and buildings. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Perform routine and job specific radiological surveillance: Determine appropriate detection methodology based on lab-specific isotope use. Monitor all RAM areas via routine surveys using dose-rate and contamination meters and analyze results. Maintain compliance with correct postings of radiological postings or warning devices. Perform technical and analytical decontamination activities when necessary.
• Accept RAM shipments and deliver RAM to laboratories: Survey in-bound shipments of RAM, sealed sources, and equipment, to ensure compliance with regulatory, procedural, and license requirements. Deliver RAM to laboratories.
• Maintain rigorous records: In a timely manner, document all inspections, radiological surveys, meter calibrations, meter QC checks, sample results, package receipt records, and shipping records for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct Permit Inspections: Conduct inspections of laboratories for the safe storage, use and disposal of radiation sources including review of safety equipment, designated work spaces, training for authorized users, standard operating procedures, and other required documentation.
• RAM waste processing and disposal: Qualify as a hazmat shipper and aid with the shipment of radioactive materials. Aggregate laboratory RAM waste and determine appropriate disposal method.
• Participate in the non-ionizing Radiation Safety Program: Provide services to non-ionizing safety program, including laser hazard analysis surveys and permit reviews.
• Interface with Harvard researchers: Act as a point of contact for assigned laboratories or buildings; providing assistance, direction, and oversight in matters involving radiation protection and safety compliance. Assist researchers in finding solutions to problems in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to both their primary objectives and radiation protection.
• Develop a wide range of Health Physics skills: Become proficient at the operation of various radiation instrumentation, computer systems, and techniques used for measurement, storage, analysis and processing of radiological data.
• Develop working knowledge of EHS Program: Understand the structure and function of all areas of EHS. Maintain familiarity with and participate in emergency cross training procedures.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for the Radiation Safety Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision/management.

Physical Requirements:

Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits and frequently walk up and down stairs. Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds and maneuvering large equipment. Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment and entering areas housing research animals, biological agents, or chemicals. Must be able to access any area of the University to perform inspections, job safety assessments, emergency response, etc.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in health physics or related science.
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience or equivalent training.
• Education, professional training and certifications may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Consideration will be given to individuals in their last year of an appropriate degree program.
• Experience performing laser hazard assessments in accordance with ANSI Z136 is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting comprehensive radiation laboratory safety analysis in a university or research environment (i.e., Broad scope type license experience) is preferred.
• Working knowledge of regulations (i.e., MDPH, NRC) and best practices for academic ionizing and non-ionizing radiation use is expected.
• Strong knowledge of regulations and best practices for academic radioactive material and radiation generating device use required.
• Subject to a criminal background/suitability investigation. 

Candidate must possess initiative and be self-motivated. Must have strong organizational, analytical, time management, and oral/written communication skills; technical writing skills, high attention to detail; flexible and adaptable; ability to manage multiple priorities; and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

Technology Skills Requirements

Proficiency and experience with full Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and presentation software required. Working knowledge of Windows operating system is required. Must have familiarity with email, voice mail, and be able to quickly adapt to emergency response procedures and protocols. 

Special Requirements

Participates in EHS Emergency Response Team on rotating basis (estimated at 6 to 7 times per year), as a cross-trained EHS staff member, will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff. Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects.  This position requires mobility between Harvard campuses as needed. 

Provide 24-hour emergency support: Provide 24-hour radiation emergency response support as needed. Respond and/or triage daytime and after-hours Laboratory Safety emergency calls on a rotating basis. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Drug Test, CORI, References

Other Information:

This position is based primarily in Cambridge and Boston, is a full-time, 40-hours-per-week role, and offers flexible hours with the requirement of being on-site between 10 AM and 3 PM on most days. It’s an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates seeking to jumpstart their careers! 

Emergency Status Designation: Remote Access Critical

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.