Health Physicist III-Radiation Safety, Full-time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The  Health Physicist III  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Health Physicist III, under the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer, assists in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and continuous improvement of the radiation and laser safety programs.  Responsibilities include general surveillance of overall activities and areas in which radioactive materials/radiation sources and laser equipment are used, supporting compliance with rules and regulations, authorized users and research projects approval as specified by the Radiation Safety Officer or Radiation Safety Committee, consultation on radiation protection with department radiation safety liaisons, determination of need and evaluation of personnel monitoring, and implementation of instructional programs on safe procedures in the use of radiation sources.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer, the Health Physicist III will assist in the design, implementation and ongoing maintenance of the radioactive material management programs in all areas of the hospital
• Promotes departmental goals in the protection of employees, staff, physicians, students, guests, and visitors
• Provide radiation safety training for occupational radiation workers
• Help maintain databases within the department
• Have proficiency in the use of meters and instrumentation used in the departments
• Perform surveys and wipe tests of all laboratories using radioactive materials in accordance with the Radioactive Materials License
• Perform radiological or environmental surveys as required or as directed by the Radiation Safety Officer
• Radiation safety functions related to radiopharmaceutical therapies performed on patients
• Monitor all intercavitary of interstitial implant patients and high dose therapy patients
• Ensure bioassays of personnel are completed in accordance with the Radioactive Materials License
• Work with other departments in the hospital to ensure radiation safety compliance
• Maintains the meter calibration program under the direction of the RSO
• Collect, inventory, and prepare for removal of all radioactive waste generated
• Receive and distribute all incoming radioactive materials
• Perform quarterly sealed source inventory and semi-annual leak testing
• Participates regulatory processes, surveys, inspections, as directed (IEMA, OSHA, DOT, NRC, OIG, DOE, EPA, etc)
• Supports emergency response and participates in drills and actual incidents including those that might occur after hours or on the weekends

Additional responsibilities

• Involvement in the planning of quarterly Radiation Safety Committee meetings
• Responsible for coordinating radiation safety training for occupational radiation workers, including residents and fellows
• Responsible for the lead apron and lead waste programs
• Direct the monitoring and decontamination for radioactive spills
• Supports the Laser Safety Officer
• Perform required calibrations of the liquid scintillation counter, auto gamma counter and uptake probe
• Mentor level I and II health physicists
• Assist Radiation Safety Officer with IRB dosimetry language
• Participate in Radiation Safety education for the Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy programs
• Assist the Radiation Safety Officer as needed

Working Conditions:

The Radiation Safety Department is responsible for overseeing the Radiation Safety Program and regulatory functions for the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Radioactive Materials License.  This involves traveling to Northwestern Medicine hospitals throughout the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare system. Health Physicist III has a primary reporting location of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but all health physicists will also be expected to travel to off-sites to support health physics services.

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Radiological Health, Health Physics, Medical Physics or related field   
• 5 years as Health Physics II or equivalent experience in medical radiation safety in a large hospital or academic medical center
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills
• Must be able to move and load equipment and shielding (up to 50 lbs) and transfer it to locations throughout the hospital/campus
• Ability to lift 10 lbs routinely, and to stand for 3 hours
• Strong organizational, communications, teaching and writing skills
• Identifies quality issues to be addressed and brings to the attention of the Radiation Safety Officer as appropriate
• Assists in the design and implementation of process improvements
• Collects and monitors data for key quality indicators and process improvement plans
• Able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA or PAPR) or other appropriate respiratory equipment as required.
• Observe work practices and review written policies and procedures
• Demonstrate good body mechanics for lifting  

Preferred:

• Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) or previous laser safety experience
• National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologist: (NRRPT)
• Eligible for American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine Certification or
• Board eligible for Part I of the CHP exam by the American Board of Health Physics

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.