Radiation Safety Officer

About this role

The Role If you’re passionate about radiation safety and want to shape how Australia’s most advanced science and technology programs operate, this is the role for you. We’re seeking an accomplished radiation safety professional to lead DSTG’s group wide Radiation Safety Management Program. In this role, you will partner with our research teams so that we can safely and confidently push the boundaries of science and technology — from directed energy and laser technologies to radiation apparatus needed to support research — while meeting Defence ARPANSA licensing and Work Health & Safety obligations. As the Group Radiation Safety Officer, you will be the trusted advisor to the Group Radiation Nominee and DSTG senior leadership on all radiation matters, translating complex requirements into practical, enabling solutions for laboratories, research trials and facilities across DSTG. You’ll shape policy, assist to uplift capability, and drive continuous improvement so our people and partners can innovate safely. You’ll also represent DSTG at enterprise level working groups, ensuring our interests are championed and our insights inform corporate policy and regulatory engagement. About our Team The DSTG Group Radiation Safety Officer operates within the Work Health and Safety (WHS) function, a critical science-aligned enabling capability that underpins the organisation’s mission. This multidisciplinary team—comprising a Radiation Safety Advisor, Senior Safety Advisors, and specialised Hazard Leads—provides expert guidance to ensure that complex scientific research is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. By partnering closely with researchers, the team integrates safety into every stage of the research lifecycle, enabling innovation without compromise. Their work is essential to delivering trusted, high-impact outcomes that support Defence’s national strategic objectives. Through proactive risk management, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach, the WHS team fosters a culture of safety excellence, empowering staff to pursue cutting-edge science with confidence. This alignment of safety and scientific ambition makes the role both impactful and essential to DSTG’s success. Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG HQ) Division, led by Deputy Chief Defence Scientist, provides strategic leadership, governance, and co-ordination across DSTG. Our vision is: Shape Opportunities. Strengthen collaborations. Connect for Success. Our Ideal Candidate The ideal DSTG Radiation Safety Officer brings deep expertise across both ionising and non-ionising radiation domains, supported by experience in complex, high-consequence environments such as Defence, advanced research, nuclear, or high-tech manufacturing. You are adept at working alongside scientists and engineers, translating technical requirements into pragmatic, enabling safety solutions that support innovation while managing risk. Your strong incident investigation skills and understanding of regulatory frameworks ensure timely, accurate reporting and continuous improvement of safety practices. A confident communicator, you engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, from technical specialists to senior leaders, building trust and influencing positive safety outcomes. You combine technical excellence with a collaborative mindset, demonstrating sound judgement, adaptability, and a commitment to safety as an integral part of mission success. Your contribution enables DSTG to deliver cutting-edge research safely while supporting Defence’s national strategic objectives with confidence and integrity. Role Tasking 1. Leadership and Governance • Serve as the Group Radiation Safety Officer in line with the Defence Radiation Safety Management System. • Provide expert advice to the Group Nominee, senior leaders, and research programs. • Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the DSTG Radiation Safety Management Program ensuring alignment with Defence. • Lead the radiation safety capability within the group, mentoring and development staff. 2. Radiation Inventory & Compliance Management • Maintain oversight of all DSTG radiation sources, including >700 controlled sources. • Coordinate quarterly updates and annual audits of radiation inventory. • Support compliance with ARPANSA and Defence Source Licence requirements. • Lead all radiation incident investigations, reporting and notifications. 3. Radiation Safety Advisory & Technical Support • Provide expert advice across ionising, laser, radiofrequency, EMF and incoherent radiation. • Review and endorse Radiation Safety Plans, Source Security Site Plans and SOPs. • Support laboratories and engineering teams to meet safety obligations for innovative technologies, including Directed Energy and Quantum research. 4. Assurance, Inspection & Corporate Engagement • Represent DSTG at the Defence Radiation Safety Working Group (RSWG). • Coordinate DSTG preparation for DRSA, ARPANSA and ASNO inspections. • Manage corrective action closure following regulatory inspections (DRSM para 9A.09).