2025-09-16
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Health Physicist
The Radiation Safety Division of the Office of Research Protection is seeking a qualified Health Physicist to support expanding needs in medical health physics, with a particular focus on the use of radiopharmaceuticals in research within the Department of Radiation Oncology. This position will involve close collaboration with physicians, faculty, and research personnel across the University of Pittsburgh and its affiliated UPMC hospitals, as well as with industry-sponsored research teams. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and operational excellence in the growing domain of radiopharmaceutical-based clinical research and care.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Support for an expanding radiopharmaceutical research program in the Radiation Oncology Department.
- Developing radiation safety policies and procedures related to the use of research radiopharmaceuticals.
- Support faculty of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the development and submission of research protocols to ensure timely committee approvals (e.g., by committees such as the IRB).
- Oversight of gamma cameras and PET scanners for research purposes, under the direction of a clinically credentialed nuclear medicine physicist.
- Preparation of imaging and nuclear medicine equipment (i.e. dose calibrators) to meet trial requirements.
- Providing radiation safety training to Radiation Oncology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center research personnel.
- Performing radiation shielding and radiation dosimetry calculations required for research uses of radiopharmaceuticals in Radiation Oncology.
- Developing and implementing patient release criteria and instructions following administration of radioactive drugs in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Advise and respond to radiopharmaceutical trial subjects in the Emergency Room or In-patient setting.
Master’s degree in medical physics, health physics or related field is preferred.
Radiation Safety at the University of Pittsburgh is responsible for ensuring that all sources of licensed radioactive material and ionizing radiation-producing equipment are used optimally and safely.
The Office of Research Protections (ORP) aids investigators in designing and performing research studies so they meet current ethical standards and conform to all applicable laws and regulations. The units that comprise the ORP accomplish this goal through education, prospective review of research protocols, consultations with investigators, and monitoring of ongoing studies.
Provides radiation physics support of radiation equipment, radioactive materials, and radiation research, including evaluations, inventories, and testing methods. Writes instructions and other radiological safety operations' documentation. Facilitates radiation material disposal protocols and procedures and readies radioactive materials and/or hazardous chemicals for transport and disposal. Guides other environmental health and safety technicians.
Perform complex measurements with sophisticated equipment. Use computer systems to carry out complex safety calculations and maintain databases. Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
Must be able to move freely around campus in a timely manner. Ability to lift 25 to 30 pounds. Should have a valid driver’s license from the state of Pennsylvania.
PI278052181
