Trainee radiation protection adviser — Anais Barros

After completing the BSc Archaeology at Durham University, Anais got a job as a trainee radiation protection technician (RPT) and trainee radiation protection adviser (RPA) at Aurora Health Physics

How did you get your job in radiation protection?

During my final year of university, I began applying for roles in archaeology, as well as in the wider environmental sector. I enjoyed the scientific aspects of my degree, and I knew this was something I wanted to pursue, even if not in the field of archaeology. I applied for my role at Aurora via Indeed and was offered an interview.

What does the role involve?

As a trainee RPT, I support Aurora's site services, which involve the survey and remediation of land and buildings that have the potential to contain radiological hazards.

I am also a trainee RPA, and I currently shadow audits at clients' sites under Aurora's RPA body. I am learning how to provide guidance to clients to help them comply with relevant regulations and conduct electromagnetic field (EMF) surveys.

Over the last year, I have also become involved in Aurora's R&D initiatives, where we work to advance the scientific and technological capabilities within radiation protection. Additionally, I have participated in and organised events which bring together radiation protection professionals.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy the variety of projects I am involved with and the people I get to meet. They have incredible stories, and I always learn something new on a visit. Each project, whether it is a survey, ground investigation, or remediation, presents different challenges, and I enjoy the practical, hands-on work involved in completing the job. There are so many 'behind the scenes' places that I feel lucky to have seen, from historic artefacts to particle accelerators.

How is your degree relevant to the role?

On the surface, the skills required for a role in archaeology seem a world away from the skillset required for radiation protection. However, I have found the opposite.

The variation of topics in my university modules meant I had to learn different subjects and skills simultaneously. This has translated well into my current role, where I am learning the skills required to deliver both site and consultancy services simultaneously.

During my degree, my modules in ancient DNA, forensic archaeology, materials analysis and isotope analysis were mainly laboratory-based. This gave me an understanding of how laboratories operate, which has been useful when visiting clients who work in laboratory environments, as well as when decommissioning them.

I was involved with two archaeological excavations during my time at Durham University: one in Bishop Auckland and one in Bibracte, France. These experiences provided me with an understanding of site safety and stratigraphy in ground investigations, both of which have translated well into the land remediation projects I have been involved in with Aurora.

How has your role developed, and what workplace issues are you most passionate about?

The RPT role advertised by Aurora meant that initially, my role was solely to support the delivery of Aurora's site services. Over the past year, I have discovered many aspects that interest me, and I have been given opportunities to explore these.

I have branched into the trainee RPA route and have been involved in event organisation, including running the event stand at a conference and tracking the progress of Aurora's R&D projects.

My role has diversified significantly, which has opened up many exciting avenues for me to explore. I am passionate about advancing technological capabilities through Aurora's R&D and bringing brilliant ideas to life.

What are your career ambitions?

I would like to develop my skills, knowledge, and experience to become a technical radiation protection professional (TechRadP).

I would also like to become an RPA in the future, with a particular focus on decommissioning and remediation of ionising radiation from land and buildings, alongside EMF surveys and giving advice.

Tell us about the challenges facing the sector.

The most significant challenge for the radiation protection sector is recruitment. As more qualified RPAs and radioactive waste advisers (RWA) retire, the lack of qualified radiation protection professionals will intensify the issue.

Additionally, radiation protection as a career path is not well known among graduates and young professionals, unless they are working with radioactivity (i.e., in a laboratory or research facility). This means that there are not enough radiation protection professionals becoming qualified to fill the gaps left by those who are reaching retirement age.

Identifying and dealing with radioactive contamination of land or building materials can sometimes prove practically challenging. However, these are the challenges that radiation protection professionals enjoy finding solutions to.

What advice would you give to others interested in entering this field?

• A willingness to learn can carry you far. Don't feel confined by your degree; look for the opportunities it gives you. Focus on the aspects of your degree or experience that are relevant to the role, and apply if you're interested.
• Engage with organisations such as AURPO and The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP). Career information can be found on the SRP website, alongside open apprenticeships. Joining SRP as an 'Open' or 'Affiliate' member will also provide you with up-to-date news from the radiation protection world.
• If your organisation has a radiation protection supervisor (RPS), talk to them about their responsibilities in the role. Having an understanding of radiation protection in practice would give you a head start in a trainee role or apprenticeship.

Find out more

• Discover what else you can do with an archaeology degree.
• Explore the role of a radiation protection practitioner.
• Consider becoming a member of The SRP.