Principal Safety Specialist

The Principal Safety Specialist plays a critical role within the Radiation Safety team at MD Anderson Cancer Center, under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer. The Principal Safety Specialist supports the oversight of licenses and registrations that allow for the possession and use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment, ensuring all clinical and research activities are conducted safely and in compliance with State of Texas regulations.

The Principal Safety Specialist collaborates closely with clinical, research, and technical partners to promote radiation safety for employees and patients across the institution.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this environment, the Principal Safety Specialist contributes to high-impact safety programs that support innovative clinical care and research while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance and occupational health.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Safety Specialist role is an experienced professional with advanced education in Health Physics or a related discipline, strong expertise in radiation safety within clinical and research environments, and current certification or licensure relevant to health physics practice. This individual brings deep technical knowledge, practical experience in patient dosimetry and shielding, and the ability to provide regulatory interpretation and safety leadership in a complex healthcare setting.

Salary:
Minimum $59.13 - Midpoint $74.04 - Maximum $88.94 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week. The typical work schedule is flexible, standard Monday-Friday daytime hours (e.g., 7:00/8:00am - 4:00/5:00pm).

Work location:

Hybrid.

Why Us?

• Employer‑paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined‑benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer‑paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

• Perform internal and external occupational dose calculations and exposure assessments
• Conduct shielding calculations for clinical and research spaces
• Evaluate Annual Limits on Intake, bioassay needs, and hazard assessments
• Support safe handling and use of radioactive materials and radiation‑producing machines

• Perform safety analyses for clinical protocols and provide safety recommendations
• Assist clinics with assessments related to handling, storage, and shipping of radioactive samples for clinical trials
• Provide exposure calculations for patients and occupational workers
• Collaborate with clinical medical physicists to support patient and staff safety

• Provide oversight of the Radio protective Apparel Program and validate inspection completion
• Perform clinical audits for radiation and x‑ray programs
• Focus on safety considerations for new equipment and new isotopes used in clinical and research settings

• Provide radiation safety training for specific clinical protocols as required
• Consult with departments on best practices for radiation safety

• Assist in maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Provide regulatory interpretations and technical assistance to departments
• Consult and assist departments in developing, implementing, and revising written radiation safety procedures for radioactive materials, radiation‑producing equipment, laser systems, and MRI machines

• Required:
  
  Master's Degree Applied or Basic Science, Engineering field.
• Preferred:
  PhD Applied or Basic Science, Engineering field.

• Required:
  
  10 years Environmental health and safety experience.
• Preferred: 3 years Health care and/or research facilities.

• Required:
  
  Certifie…