Job Description
The University of California (USC) is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Community - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.
The Department:
Under the supervision of the Laboratory Safety Manager, the Research Safety Specialist will assist with the implementation of the university research safety program and will perform comprehensive laboratory, biological, and radiation safety inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and provides training and technical and safety-related regulatory assistance to the research community.
Responsibilities include:
Conducts field audits for compliance to program regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follow-up, as required.
Develops and implements safety program(s) to meet university and regulatory requirements. Establishes, documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures.
Assesses existing program(s) for adequacy and regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications, as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to safety and health. Ensures that program design(s) reflect the most recent standards and regulations.
Develops and delivers client training for assigned safety program(s).
Assists with shipping, receipt, storage and control of radioactive materials.
Develops and coordinates emergency response procedures. Responds to emergency calls or events and ensures that proper safety methods and procedures are followed. Prepares report(s), as required.
Assisting Principal Investigators and researchers in the development of lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) as they relate to lab operations, experimental procedures, exposures, calibrations, lasers, contamination surveys, close outs etc.
Assisting in protocol review.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to “report to duty” in accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other staff members if needed.
A mandated reporter who in his or her professional capacity has knowledge of, or reasonably suspects a person who is under the age of 18 years, elderly, or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse or neglect must report the suspected incident. The reporter must contact a designated agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone or in writing within 36 hours. By virtue of the associated job duties, this position qualifies as a mandated reporter as required by state law and USC’s policy at:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, or other related sciences.
Two (2) years of work experience, Combined education/experience as substitute for min experience.
Thorough knowledge / understanding of specific EH&S field(s) including related laws and regulations; and general knowledge / understanding of all EH&S fields. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with people in a wide variety of job classifications. Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel. Ability to maintain data and records.
Strong analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within time and budget constraints. Thorough written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to write clear and concise technical reports.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or other related sciences.
Three (3) years or more of work experience, Combined education/experience as substitute for min experience.
Salary Range:
The annual base salary range for this position is $101,058.44-$135,679.91. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree Nuclear Engineering Or
Bachelor's degree in related field(s)
Addtional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
2 years
Addtional Experience Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills:
Knowledge of DOT (Department of Transportation) rules and regulations related to the transportation of radioactive materials and handling equipment.
Demonstrated experience with generally licensed devices (GLD) containing radioactive materials.
Experience in environmental compliance, biosafety and biosecurity, and/or other related specialty fields (e.g., radiation, laser, fire, occupational, and chemical safety).
Knowledge of scientific principles and practices related to health physics, radiation safety, radiation control, and the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.
Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills to uncover causes of problems, and ability to evaluate the risks and benefits of different solutions.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven experience assembling and organizing numerical data.
Experience developing communication plans, instructional materials, and/or related educational/informational content.
Proven attention to detail, and the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.
Expertise with Microsoft Office and related data-management software.
Experience presenting ideas, solutions, detailed information, and summaries in non-technical, business-friendly terms.
Preferred Education:
Master's degree Nuclear Engineering Or
Master's degree in related field(s)
Preferred Certifications:
Certified with the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT).
Preferred Experience:
3 years
Preferred Skills:
Eligible to take part one of the Certified Health Physicist (CHP) exam.
Extensive knowledge of scientific principles and practices related to health physics, radiation safety, radiation control, and the use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.
Experience with DOT (Department of Transportation) rules and regulations related to the transportation of radioactive materials and handling equipment.
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to constantly changing priorities.
Experience planning, composing, and editing informational and educational material for businesses, academic institutions, and/or the general public.
Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills for communicating tactfully with all levels of staff and diverse groups of individuals.
Job ID REQ20167473 Posted Date 09.30.2025
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Job Tags
Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start,