Associate 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: $69,000-80,000

Position Summary

Reporting to, and under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer, 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 Associate Health Physicist applies established radiation protection principles and develops professional judgment under supervision. he role emphasizes regulatory compliance, field operations, researcher engagement, and program support, in collaboration with 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 and New York State Department of Health regulations, under the direction of the RSO;
• Assisting the RSO and other Research Radiation Safety staff with program initiatives, inspections, and special projects;
• Fostering a collaborative, service-oriented approach to radiation safety that supports research while maintaining regulatory compliance;
• 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;
• Assisting with the review of radiation protection audit/survey/inspection results and corrective actions under supervision;
• Performing appropriate surveys for non-clinical x-ray-producing equipment, including x-ray irradiators, x-ray diffraction systems, radiographic equipment for non-human applications, and other radiation protection equipment;
• Conducting surveys on radiation-protective equipment, including fixtures, devices, and personal protective equipment 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;
• Collecting and documenting data for routine and specialized reports
• Maintaining 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;
• Supporting the health physics activities of the cyclotron and radiochemistry laboratory in accordance with established policies and procedures
• 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 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;
• Posession of a valid drivers license
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with efficiency 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.