Career Center

Radiation Safety Specialist

Cornell University is widely admired as one of the world's most respected research and teaching institutions. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) provides comprehensive programs and services to support our world class researchers, staff, and university community. EHS assists the campus community with compliance and promotes health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With general oversight from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in Cornell University's Environment Health and Safety department, the Radiation Safety Specialist will support academic research throughout Cornell's Ithaca campus by assisting with administration of the laser, non-ionizing, and ionizing radiation safety programs. The position requires an understanding of radiation safety principles, New York State and federal OSHA regulations, and familiarity with how different types of radiation are employed in research laboratories.

The Radiation Safety Specialist's primary responsibilities include:

• Provide expertise assessment and control of laser and magnet hazards.
• Work directly with Cornell labs to provide technical direction and support of safe utilization of laser, nonionizing, and ionizing radiation equipment sources in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Exercise judgement, flexibility, and creativity to solve implementation and compliance issues during frequent interactions with campus stakeholders.
• Make "on-the-scene" decisions within the purview of the radiation safety program.
• Administer and audit program areas, including lasers, magnets, and x-ray producing equipment.
• Provide recommendations for ongoing improvement of safety training and lab-specific procedures.
• Inspect facilities utilizing radiation hazards, assist in ensuring that regulatory and University requirements are met and that radiation sources are utilized safely.
• Recommend innovative solutions to problems and situations involving lasers and x-ray producing equipment.
• Foster the progression of Cornell's teaching and research goals. This responsibility extends to all facilities except Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Support other university radiation safety programs including radioactive materials.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

We are a value-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• BS in health physics, physics, or related fields.
• Two years of experience working in a laboratory or in a laboratory safety program at a university or other research-based organization.
• Experience working with Class 3B or Class 4 lasers.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements and ANSI standards for safe use of lasers.
• Familiarity with performing laser hazard assessment calculations
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels.
• Committed to meeting the needs of the research community while maintaining a high level of health, safety, and compliance performance.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Strong time- and task-management skills.
• Familiarity with business software applications (e.g. MS Office, SharePoint).
• Valid US driver's license and good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or doctoral degree in health physics, physics, or related fields
• Two years professional experience managing laser or radiation safety programs
• Experience with chemical, biological, and radiation safety issues in a research environment
• Laser Safety Officer Certification from the Board of Laser Safety

No visa sponsorship provided for this position.

Rewards & Benefits:

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day) and superior retirement contributions.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.