Research Safety Professional (Radiation Safety) - Division of Research Safety

Research Safety Professional (Radiation Safety) - Division of Research Safety

Company: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Location: Urbana, 61820

Category: Occupational and Environmental Safety

Type: Full-Time

This position requires in-person work on campus.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The Division of Research Safety (DRS) promotes a culture of safety through the implementation and oversight of comprehensive safety programs, building partnerships, and providing key services. We are seeking a Research Safety Professional (Radiation Safety) to partner with our world-class research community. The ideal candidate has a strong background in radiation safety principles, experience handling radioactive sources, and is familiar with research in an academic setting. This role is responsible for evaluating complex research protocols, performing risk-based scientific assessments, and providing the technical guidance needed to facilitate the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment across the Urbana-Champaign campus. As a technical expert, you will work directly with faculty, researchers, and campus safety committees to engineer safe, practical solutions for cutting-edge scientific endeavors.

This position's focus is to provide support for the campus radiation safety program. The incumbent will support the Radiation Safety Officer and partner with the University's Radiation and Laser Safety Committee by reviewing proposals for the use of radioactive materials and x-ray-producing machines, conducting specialty audits and providing consultations to researchers related to the use of ionizing and laser radiation and assisting in all aspects of a radiation safety program.

Job Summary

Provide technical guidance to facilitate the safe conduct of research, teaching, and related activities associated with the Urbana-Champaign campus. Utilize radioactive materials knowledge/background to support the radiation safety program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Radiation Safety
  • Support the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and the Radiation and Laser Safety Committee (RLSC) at the University of Illinois.
  • Review proposals that use radioactive materials, radiation-producing machines, and lasers.
  • Perform exposure assessments and determine proper radiation safety controls. Identify issues of non-compliance, and necessary updates to campus licenses and policies.
  • Assist in determining the proper methods for handling and disposal of radioactive or mixed regulated waste.
  • Assist the RSO in the training of Environmental Health and Safety Technicians performing duties to support the radiation safety program, including contamination surveys, equipment calibrations, and dosimetry distribution.
• Research Safety & Compliance
  • Serve as a technical resource to researchers regarding compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines (EPA, IEPA, OSHA, IOSHA, NIH, CDC, FDA, IEMA).
  • Conduct comprehensive annual laboratory safety audits and specialty audits as necessary to support DRS programs.
  • Review experimental protocols involving the use of hazardous materials and equipment.
  • Work with researchers and laboratory staff to assess risk, identify practical solutions, and assist in procedure development.
  • Propose and develop policies, program updates, and data management related to hazardous material management.
  • Provide subject matter knowledge and information relating to specific research activities to compliance oversight committees.
  • Serve as a contact point to ensure effective communication between the committee and researchers.
  • Assist in reviews of laboratory renovations and construction so facilities comply with necessary safety regulations.
• Outreach/Teaching/Communication
  • Identify gaps in safety knowledge and develop training resources in the form of technical guidance documents, online classes, tutorials, etc.
  • Teach specialized classes and present training/information to large and small groups as needed.
  • Pursue professional development activities to expand/maintain technical knowledge.
  • Network with colleagues at other institutions, and share program information via publications, presentations, and participation in professional associations.
  • Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research support.
  • Assist new researchers with on-boarding orientations. Perform duties as needed to further enhance the mission and goals of DRS.
• Incident response and follow-up
  • Provide technical knowledge for emergency response planning for incidents involving hazardous materials.
  • Support local emergency responders during incidents and serve as a resource for hazardous material information during and after normal working hours.
  • Assist In decontamination efforts, or mitigation of high hazard situations as necessary.
  • Perform incident investigations and conduct root cause analysis to develop risk mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure laboratory incidents are reported to regulatory agencies as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, health physics, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years (24 months) of professional work experience in a safety or compliance related field. (Note: this will be interpreted broadly to include any professional experience that directly involves implementing, monitoring, or adhering to safety and/or compliance practices.)
• Experience in a radiation safety program in an academic, medical, or nuclear institution OR experience using radiation sources in such an institution subject to a radiation safety program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in above noted fields.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000 to $75,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.