Assistant Director, Radiation and Laser Safety and University Radiation Safety Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION The Assistant Director is a key leader responsible for managing the radiation and laser safety programs in Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHSS) at Vanderbilt University. As the university's Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), they will fulfill regulatory obligations and report directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for EHSS.

The Assistant Director provides innovative leadership for a comprehensive laboratory program providing a safe work environment for all VU research community members, preventing loss of life and injury, protecting the environment, and protecting VU property.

Oversight responsibilities include compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including transitioning the activities of VUMC's Office of Clinical and Research Safety. The Assistant Director serves on multiple committees such as the Radiation Safety Committee, workplace safety committee, emergency management operations, risk management committee, etc.

About the Work Unit:
Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability is part of the Division of Administration and consists of research-centric safety services and university sustainability leadership. The team supports a top-13 world-class research university with a community of 27,000 faculty, staff and students on 12 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space on 330 acres in downtown Nashville, TN.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Act as the university's subject matter expert in radiation and laser safety and as the university's Radiation Safety Officer on VU's Broadscope License.
• Lead compliance-related regulatory inspections.
• Collaboratively develop vision, mission, budget, policies, procedures and key performance indicators for their area of EHSS at Vanderbilt.
• Establish relationship with VUMC OCRS to continue the transition to VU management.
• Implement and adopt EHS Assist software system related to their area of EHSS.
• Address regulatory and audit findings in a timely manner.
• Develop opportunities for improvement in current services, faculty support processes, training, and information systems.
• Ensure effective training modules are assigned to appropriate VU faculty, staff and students in Oracle Learn.
• Sponsor VU Facilities projects impacting laboratories.
• Set EHSS standards to meet customer and administrative expectations.
• Identify and implement best practices and corrective actions across the laboratory safety that assure high quality, improve systems and services, meet needs and ensure compliance with complex and rapidly changing federal, state, regional, and local laws and accreditation requirements.
• Manage and develop standard operating procedures and protocols for laboratory operations to manage high hazard operations.
• Participate in the on-call schedule and provide leadership in any incidents or exposures in their area of EHSS.
• Ensure EHSS staff have appropriate technical and required training.
• Collaborate with VUMC, Vanderbilt University Public Safety, and VU Facilities to develop effective emergency response plans for VU laboratories.

As a leader in the Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Team, the Assistant Director develops strong relationships with Vanderbilt's research and administrative community and identifies ways to be of service and ensure customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position supervises 3-5 professional staff, student interns, and may lead teams on specific projects. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of EHSS.

Experience and Education:

• A master's degree is required.
• Certification is required, including Certified Health Physicist (CHP) and Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO).
• 8 years related experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role is required.
• Expert knowledge in radiation and laser safety concepts, standards of performance, best practices, granting requirements, licensing, and regulations.
• Ability to quickly respond to emergencies is required.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft and Adobe products such as TEAMS, powerpoint, excel, and Word are necessary.
• Experience with EHS Assist software preferred.
• Advanced data management, analytical, quantitative, technical and problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt required.
• Ability to plan and execute multi-task and multi-project requirements and deliverables to meet objectives and deadlines strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills are necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective respectful and working relationships in a service-oriented environment with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to work effectively with others as a team.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
Vanderbilt University values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all students, faculty, and staff.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.