Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

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The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab at ACU is a world leader in molten salt reactor technology, whose mission is to provide global solutions to the world’s need
for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of molten salt reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. We are seeking to add a talented person with expertise in environmental health and safety (EHS) who is eager to learn and explore new technologies and the safety implications with our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.

This position will serve as NEXT Lab’s embedded EHS coordinator, working in close partnership with ACU’s Office of Institutional Compliance and Risk Management to ensure NEXT Lab activities comply with institutional policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

NEXT Lab Core Values
The key principle of this job is to support ACU’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Along with this, and the NEXT mission, our core values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that shape our culture, behavior, and decisions.

1. Christ-like Character
We lead with humility, integrity, and wisdom. We strive to be honest mentors who reflect Christ in our actions and relationships.
2. Driven to Deliver
We take initiative, work hard, and stay curious. We’re proactive, creative problem-solvers who are always learning and pushing forward to get things done.
3. Better Together
We believe in the power of collaboration. We communicate openly, support one another, and bring a spirit of respect, fun, and teamwork to everything we do.

An ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong desire to integrate into a team that shares our core values and possess the skills listed below. Candidates who align well with our values but may not yet have all of the desired skills may still be considered.

Basic Responsibilities
● Implementation and coordination of environmental health and safety practices within NEXT Lab in alignment with ACU’s institutional EHS programs
● Support of Institutional Radiation Safety and Licensing Management specific to NEXT Lab activities
● Implementation of beryllium exposure control and industrial hygiene measures in collaboration with ACU EHS
● Chemical Safety and Hygiene
● Training & Safety Culture Development
● Audits, Monitoring & Reporting
● Stakeholder Communication & Coordination

Essential Duties include the following. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

1) Regulatory Compliance & Licensing Oversight
● Ensure compliance with NRC, DOE, OSHA, EPA, and state and other applicable environmental and safety regulations.
● Coordinate with ACU EHS in the development and implementation of NEXT Lab specific procedures, policies, and manuals.
● Coordinate with Licensing Engineer, QA Manager, and ACU EHS to align NEXT Lab safety programs with reactor licensing, regulatory requirements, and NEXT QA/QC expectations.

2) Radiation Protection & Licensing Management
● Support the Institutional Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in fulfilling responsibilities specific to NEXT Lab operations.
● Oversee NEXT Lab radiation licensing for sealed/unsealed sources, personnel dosimetry, and reactor operations under institutional licenses.
● Track, renew, and maintain compliance documentation with all applicable radiation licenses in coordination with the Institutional RSO.
● Implement ALARA practices and radiation monitoring programs.

3) Beryllium Exposure Control & Industrial Hygiene
● Develop and implement beryllium exposure control plans in accordance with institutional policies and best practices. .
● Monitor workplace air and surfaces for beryllium contamination.
● Ensure appropriate PPE, engineering controls, and exposure monitoring systems and procedures are in place.

● Train staff and researchers on beryllium hazards and response protocols.

4) Chemical Safety and Hygiene
● Coordinate with ACU EHS to ensure that NEXT Lab purchasing, shipping, receiving, storage, use, and disposal of laboratory chemicals and chemical waste meets or exceeds the standards of the ACU Chemical Hygiene Plan and ACU Laboratory Safety Plan.
● Coordinate with NEXT Lab Chemistry team to ensure that the chemical inventory is properly managed.
● Ensure that proper PPE is available and used for laboratory activities involving potentially hazardous chemicals.
● Ensure that general safety practices are used in compliance with ACU and policies from other applicable authorities.

5) Training & Safety Culture Development
● Ensure EHS orientation and specialized safety training for staff, students, and contractors is available as needed.
● Develop and/or procure training modules for radiation safety, beryllium handling, and hazardous waste management that is specific for NEXT Lab in coordination with ACU EHS.
● Promote a proactive culture of openness, safety, compliance, and accountability across NEXT Lab.

6) Audits, Monitoring & Reporting
● Conduct internal audits, safety inspections, and exposure monitoring.
● Prepare and submit reports required by regulatory agencies.
● Track corrective actions and verify closure of identified issues.

7) Stakeholder Communication & Coordination
● Act as NEXT Lab liaison with regulatory authorities in collaboration with ACU’s EHS Manager and institutional compliance offices.
● Communicate safety updates and compliance requirements to NEXT Lab leadership and coordinate with ACU EHS to help determine broad communication plans.
● Ensure transparent reporting to stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

Desired Professional Development

Skills
● Knowledge of NRC/DOE radiation licensing requirements.
● Expertise in radiation protection, beryllium exposure control, hydrogen fluoride safety, mixed waste, and industrial hygiene.
● Risk assessment, incident investigation, and emergency response capabilities.
● Effective communication and training skills.

Professional
● Bachelor’s degree. Preferred major in Environmental Health & Safety, Nuclear Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (Master’s preferred).
● Minimum 5–7 years of EHS experience in nuclear or high-hazard environments.
● Direct experience with radiation licensing management and regulatory reporting.
● Familiarity with beryllium safety requirements and industrial hygiene practices.
● Familiarity with safe handling practices of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride.
● Familiarity with regulations and safe disposal practices for hazardous chemicals and mixed waste.
● Professional certifications such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) preferred.

Personal
● High integrity and commitment to compliance and worker protection.
● Strong attention to detail and proactive approach to hazard mitigation.
● Effective communicator and trainer with ability to influence safety culture.
● Calm and decisive under emergency conditions.
● Commitment to NEXT Lab’s mission and safe, innovative, and responsible research.

Physical Demands
● Able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
● Able to stand 1 hour or more.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.

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