"Biological, Laser, and Radiation Safety Officer"

Benefits of Working at UNCW:

Want to become a soaring UNCW Seahawk and work at one of the best universities on the East Coast? Want to put your toes in the sand after a day of work? The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a wonderfully vibrant university community along with a beautiful location just miles from the beach. Employees of UNCW are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other programs, resources, policies, and practices that help to support a work/life balance. Our programs have been designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Full time employees are eligible for dental, vision and health insurance plans. Health insurance benefit plans eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Full time employees are also eligible for the tuition waiver program which covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to three (3) undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year at UNCW or any other university within the UNC System. In addition, UNCW covers the cost of tuition and fees for one UNCW course each summer session. As a full time employee, UNCW also offers a free membership to the Campus Recreation Center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, meditation and yoga sessions, voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave time, paid vacation and sick leave accrual and family medical leave after 12 months of continuous service. We also offer an abundance of training and development programs through our Dare to Learn Academy, and the employee assistance program, many of which are offered free of charge.

Recruitment Range: $67,789 - $75,321
Vacancy Number: E1465
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Home Department: Environmental Health and Safety - 35330
Division: Business Affairs - 35000 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Environmental Health & Safety Department serves to support and maintain a safe and healthy environment for the UNCW community and strives to limit the University's exposure to risks, including personal, financial, property, and reputational. EH&S provides the internal framework for compliance with federal, state, and local safety, health and environmental regulations, as well as the development of emergency preparedness and response initiatives. The department's strong customer service focus fosters partnerships throughout the campus community, which in turn help faculty, staff, and students recognize and reduce risks.

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:

The Biological, Laser, and Radiation Safety Officer facilitates safe operation of University programs in biological, laser, and radiation safety. This position works with faculty, staff, students, and external parties, including regulatory and advisory agencies, under the general direction of EH&S Associate Director.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Provide guidance and support for safe usage and handling of biological materials in teaching, research, and operational areas.
• Grow, develop, and maintain continuity of a structured biosafety program and university-level committee.
• Coordination of the bloodborne pathogens program.
• Assist users in development and maintenance of safe laser operations.
• Serve as Radiation Safety Officer for a limited-scale program, including primary responsibility for the Radiation Safety Committee and the Annual Program Review.
• Maintain the university's Radioactive Materials License and X-Ray Registrations for materials and equipment used in teaching and research.
• Maintain technical expertise in DOT and IATA shipping requirements as needed to facilitate material transfers.

Duties relate to all aspects of these functions including program development and administration; risk and hazard assessment; guidance; inspections; interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements and guidelines; coordination of committees; training for the university community; and safe collection, handling, and disposal of wastes.

This is a mandatory position and must respond during emergencies.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; and three years of progressive work experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Ability to attain Radiation Safety Officer designation from NC DHHS Radiation Protection Section within 120 days of hire. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Master's degree in relevant field and/or professional certification in biosafety, industrial hygiene, safety, or health physics.
• 4+ years progressive work experience in the environmental, health and safety field with prior work experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, experience with, and application of biosafety principles, practices, guidelines, and standards as applicable to a university classroom, research laboratory, or field setting.
• Firm understanding of radiation and laser safety principles, with the ability to apply regulatory requirements in a research and educational environment, and the expertise necessary to maintain required institutional licenses and registrations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in interpreting and applying policy, procedure, guidance, and regulation; in risk assessment; and in the development of proposed practices. Strong communication, relationship building, and problem-solving skills are essential; and the ability to organize multiple programs and coordinate committees is required.
• Verbal and written communication skills to clearly and concisely articulate program content.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite is expected and the ability to gain proficiency in the use of relevant instrumentation is a necessity.
• Prior work experience in higher education.

Required Certifications or Licensures:

• Valid NC Driver's License
• Ability to attain Radiation Safety Officer designation from NC DHHS Radiation Protection Section within 120 days of hire.

FTE: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Months Per Year: 12 Months
Type of Position: Permanent
Job Posting Date: 12/15/2025
Posting Close Date: 1/11/2026
Number of Openings: Single Incumbent