HEALTH PHYSICS LEAD

HEALTH PHYSICS LEAD

University of Alabama at Birmingham

To perform lead/advanced level duties in the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiological hazards to employees and the general public. To provide in-depth scientific and technical reviews of detailed applications for new radioactive material licenses, renewals, amendments, and termination requests. To conduct on-site inspections of new facilities, i.e., hospitals, industrial firms, medical offices, dental facilities, laboratories, etc., in order to qualify departments as physically adequate and personnel competent to receive and use radioactive materials. To travel to facilities when the environment includes exposure to radioactive materials. To perform highly technical reviews of radioactive sealed sources and devices containing radioactive material requested to be certified safe for manufacture and distribution. To assist the Project Radiation Safety Officer and Radiation Safety team with project objectives. To lead and support other Health Physics, as needed.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Conducts audits and inspections of radioactive materials sublicensees to evaluate compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Performs radiological surveys of patients post-therapy to determine eligibility for release under applicable regulatory standards.
• Calibrates, function-tests, and performs preventive maintenance on radiation detection instruments in accordance with established schedules and requirements.
• Conducts routine and specialized radiological surveys, interprets data, recommends corrective actions, and oversees elements of the Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Program (e.g., lasers, MRI, RF, UV).
• Reviews and provides technical guidance on facility design, shielding, and operational practices for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources, collaborating closely with clinical and research personnel.
• Compiles survey findings, audit results, and inspection notes into comprehensive technical reports with actionable recommendations.
• Contributes to the development, review, and improvement of radiation safety policies, procedures, and emergency response protocols; participates in incident response and corrective action activities.
• Delivers radiation safety training across relevant modalities including radioactive materials handling, X-ray/fluoroscopy, contamination control, and non-ionizing radiation safety.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

$52,555.00 - $64,800.00 (Commensurate with experience qualifications)

Qualifications

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in physical science (biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or related), nuclear medicine or nuclear engineering or a related field and four (4) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator, bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and sitting at computer for long periods of time.

Licenses / Certifications / Registrations

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Work Characteristics

• Solid understanding of health physics, environmental physics, calibrations and analytical services
• Strong process and analytical skills
• Sound knowledge and experience applying the techniques of radiation monitoring, surveying, transport and disposal
• Ability to relate to all levels of personnel in a collaborative manner, while setting priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications
• Working knowledge of all legislation, regulations, associated standards and codes of practice relevant to radiation health
• Ability to work an on-call schedule including weekends and holiday.