Health Physicist

Job Description

Join the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team at Harvard University and help champion a culture of safety across research facilities. As a Health Physicist and key member of the Radiation Safety Services team, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. In this collaborative role, you will partner directly with researchers to find safe, practical solutions that support their scientific objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance. We are looking for an engaging, service-oriented professional who can communicate effectively across all levels of the University.

Work Schedule:This role requires an in-person presence on the Cambridge and Longwood campuses to support laboratories. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with flexibility based on operational needs and scheduled laboratory support.

Job-Specific Responsibilities 

• Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Associate Health Physicists and other EHS staff, as assigned, and support consistent implementation of radiation safety program requirements across labs.
• Program Development: Own assigned elements of the Radiation Safety Program (e.g., SOP governance and periodic review). Maintain and advance proficiency in Health Physics instrumentation, methods, and best practices, and ensure program documentation remains current and inspection ready.
• Radiological Surveillance & Operations: Perform routine and job-specific surveys using dose-rate and contamination meters. Analyze results, conduct x-ray cabinet leakage surveys, and execute technical decontamination activities as needed.
• Researcher Support & Partnership: Act as the primary point of contact for assigned laboratories. Build strong relationships with researchers, provide proactive assistance, training, and safety oversight in a positive, solutions-oriented manner.
• Maintain rigorous records: In a timely manner, document all inspections, radiological surveys, meter calibrations, meter QC checks, sample results, package receipt records, and shipping records for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct Permit Inspections: Conduct laboratory inspections to verify safe storage, use, and disposal of radiation sources (e.g., RAM, laser, x-ray, UV, RF, magnets), including review of engineering controls, training, SOPs, and required documentation.
• RAM waste processing and disposal: Support the radioactive waste program by evaluating, aggregating, and processing radioactive material (RAM) for appropriate disposal pathways. Harvard will provide DOT Hazmat Shipper training and qualification support, with ongoing maintenance of this qualification as part of the role.
• Develop working knowledge of EHS Program: Understand the structure and function of all areas of EHS. Maintain familiarity with and participate in emergency cross training procedures.
• Emergency Response: Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to triage and/or respond to daytime and after-hours laboratory safety incidents, consistent with EHS Emergency Response Team requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision/management.

Working Conditions:

• Participate in EH&S Emergency Response Team on rotating basis; will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff
• Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects

Physical Requirements:

• Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits 
• Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment, be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in health physics (or related field) or five years of related work experience. Education may count toward experience.
• At least two years of experience conducting comprehensive radiation laboratory safety analysis in a university, research, or highly regulated environment, including demonstrated ownership of program improvements (e.g., SOP updates, audits, corrective actions, or compliance process changes).
• Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations governing radiation use (MDPH, NRC, DOT, OSHA, and EPA).
• High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows OS, and the ability to use web-based EHS systems/databases and mobile technology for field work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written), with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Successful completion of criminal background and suitability investigation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master of Science in Health Physics or a closely related field.
• Progress toward obtaining Certified Health Physicist (CHP) and/or Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) certification.
• Experience performing laser hazard assessments in accordance with ANSI Z136.1 (current edition).

Technology Skills Requirements

Proficiency and experience with full Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and presentation software required. Intermediate Excel skills and working knowledge of Windows operating system are required. Must have familiarity with email, voice mail, and be able to quickly adapt to emergency response procedures and protocols. 

Special Requirements

• Strong knowledge of regulations and best practices for academic radioactive material and radiation generating device use required. 
• Participate in the EHS Emergency Response Team on a rotating basis (estimated 6 to 7 times per year). As a cross-trained EHS staff member, carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours as part of the rotation. Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects. 
• Driver’s license with some local travel may be periodically required. 
• Must obtain and maintain DOT Hazmat Shipper qualification as required for the role.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CHP preferred
• Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CLSO preferred 

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

• This role requires an in-person presence on the Cambridge and Longwood campuses to support laboratories. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with flexibility based on operational needs and scheduled laboratory support.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Drug Testing, Criminal, Trustworthy and Reliability Determination, References

Other Information:

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 057