Health Physicist

Primary Purpose

A Health Physicist ensures that radioactive materials and radiation generating equipment used at USF complies with federal/state laws, rules, policies and USF procedures that regulate radiation safety.

A Health Physicist reports to a Radiation Safety Manager in a central grant administrative office and monitors radiation safety compliance in research laboratories and/or medical facilities. The position provides technical support to staff who use ionizing radiation in the course of their research. This position conducts oversight inspections of university research labs to ensure a safe working environment, recommends correct procedures, monitors a personal dosimetry program, and conducts training for employees who work with radioactive materials or radiation generating equipment. Health Physicists do not support a single research program nor monitor safety in a single facility, but monitor compliance of several research projects or buildings with specific requirements. Work at this level is distinguished from general clerical work thorough application of technical knowledge of radiation safety and compliance procedures. This position is FLSA non-exempt. The work is distinguished from Radiation Control Specialist by its conduct of broad inspection and oversight of dosimetry measurement or instrument calibration. The position does not require the broader technical knowledge of Senior Health Physicist who design training programs and implements mitigation procedures.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct quarterly audits/inspections of USF and affiliates research labs. Working with research labs and radiation safety staff to document program problems and assisting with corrective actions.
• Assist the RSO in the coordination of USF dosimetry programs. Place orders for new, update existing badge list, and complete badge exchange. Collect and process bioassay samples.
• Radiactive waste collection and processing from all USF research laboratories.
• Complete weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly radiation surveys of USF research laboratories and maintain proper records. Conduct radiological surveys of USF research labs. Both routine and special surveys. Conduct surveys/inspections of USF radiation producing equipment(x-rays). Enter radiation safety data in radiation safety computer database.
• Process orders for radioisotopes from the USF research labs. Check orders, procure orders from approved vendors, inspect/survey radioisotope packages upon arrival at USF, deliver packages, and maintain records.
• Complete the annual and incidental calibration of USF survey meters. Pick up, leave calibrated spare, and return calibrated survey meter and required paperwork to USF
  research labs as scheduled.
• Assist with USF's Tax-free alcohol program - maintain required records.
• Attend staff meetings and onsite training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

Minimum Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor's degree, in science or engineering or related field, and one year of related experience. Progressively responsible experience involving radiation safety compliance may be substituted for the Bachelor's Degree,

• Legal, Licensure, & USF Requirements: Specific certification in radiation safety may be required.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  
  SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  
  A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Additional Information for Applicants

This position requires a valid drivers license. A State of Florida drivers license is required within six months of hire date.

This position requires a Level 1 background check.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.