Radiation and Laser Safety Officer; RSO​/LSO

Position: Radiation and Laser Safety Officer (RSO/LSO)
About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens.

Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision.

Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

Provides institutional leadership and oversight for all activities involving the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at Kennesaw State University. Manages the university's Radiation and Laser Safety Programs, administers the Radioactive Materials License issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and serves as the designated Radiation and Laser Safety Officer in accordance with state and federal regulations. Ensures compliance with applicable requirements from the DNR, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), OSHA, DOT, and the ANSI standards.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) with authority and responsibility for managing the university's Radioactive Materials License

2. Serves as the institutional Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and oversee the safe use of Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems in research, teaching, and facilities operations

3. Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive Radiation Safety and Laser Safety Programs consistent with Federal and Georgia's requirements

4. Maintains the university's radioactive materials inventory, sealed source registry, and laser registration database

5. Performs and documents routine radiation and contamination surveys, dosimetry reviews, leak tests, exposure assessments, and laser safety inspections

6. Administers the personnel dosimetry program, evaluates exposure reports, and ensures timely corrective actions when needed

7. Manages radioactive waste handling, including decay-in-storage, shipment, and disposal in compliance with state and federal regulations

8. Provides radiation and laser safety training for faculty, staff, students, and/or researchers, including initial, refresher, and specialized training sessions

9. Reviews and approves research protocols, experimental procedures, and equipment installations involving ionizing or non-ionizing radiation

10. Advises departments on radiation shielding, exposure control, and engineering controls for laser systems

11. Investigates radiation or laser related incidents and exposures, identifies root causes, and implement corrective actions

12. Maintains all required records, reports, and license documentation for internal review and regulatory compliance

13. Supports and serves as an advisor to the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and Laser Safety Committee (LSC); prepares reports and presents program performance metrics

14. Develops and revises university policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

15. Coordinates and responds to regulatory inspections by the Georgia DNR, and other agencies

16. Supports other research and laboratory safety programs and activities

17. Collaborates with other department program leaders to promote integrated laboratory safety management across campus

18. Participates in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts involving ionizing or non-ionizing radiation

19. Collaborates with the department on shared responsibilities and emerging safety needs

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Health Physics, Physics, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Other

Required Qualifications

Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience

Five (5) years of experience in radiation safety, health physics, or related regulatory compliance programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional

Preferred Qualifications

Certification or eligibility as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Laser Safety Officer (LSO), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited…