Career Center

Ranked as one of the Best Employers in the state of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. We invest in our staff by offering fantastic benefits like vacation, sick, and holiday pay, a variety of insurance options, retirement plans, and numerous others. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska's economy each year.

The Assistant Radiation/Laser Safety Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the University maintains compliant with state and federal requirements that apply to research involving radioactive materials, radiation-producing devices, and class 3B and 4 laser systems.

The Assistant Radiation/Laser Safety Officer interfaces heavily with principal investigators, research staff, support staff and students to review and audit research protocols, activities, and laboratories/facilities to identify potential compliance issues, implement corrective actions, and to provide technical recommendations consistent with federal, state, and ANSI standards. This role will assist the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in the planning, development, review, prioritization, maintenance, and implementation of UNL's institutional laser safety program, specific broad scope license, and x-ray registrations by preparing permit applications and renewals, developing, implementing, and maintaining associated laser and radiation protection programs and procedures.

This position is responsible for laser classification, evaluation of Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) and Accessible Emission Limits (AEL), defining Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ), inspecting and auditing lasers and laser systems, recommending laser protective equipment, specifying appropriate area warning signs, and training workers in laser safety. The Assistant Radiation Safety Officer/Laser Safety Officer serves as the EHS representative and provides administrative support to the Institutional Laser Safety Committee and will assume the responsibilities of the RSO in their absence.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees' differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Bachelor's or equivalent education/experience in health physics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, toxicology, industrial hygiene, engineering, or similar science or combination of education and/or experience as a RSO and/or LSO in a research setting. One year of applied health physics or implementing laser safety practices and principles consistent with ANSI Z136 and other regulations and standards. Knowledge of principles, practices, and regulations pertinent to x-ray producing devices. General knowledge of broadscope license requirements for sealed sources, gauges, and open-source material, and lasers and laser systems. Knowledge of ANSI laser safety standards. Ability to plan, design, and implement radiation and laser protection plans and compliance management plans and procedures. Leadership, organizational, and communication (oral and written) skills. Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. Ability to formulate and document individualized and complex reports regarding unique operations. Valid Nebraska driver's license and eligible to operate University vehicles.

Master's degree in health physics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, toxicology, industrial hygiene, engineering, or similar science field is preferred. 1+ year of professional experience in other EHS disciplines. CHP (Certified Health Physicist), CLSO (Certified Laser Safety Officer), and/or other relevant professional certification is preferred.