Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist)

Basic Requirements: Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus. or Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A. In addition to the Basic Education requirements you must possess either 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: Experience working in laboratory environments with radioactive materials. Including experience in performance of professional or technical work to protect personnel and environments from ionizing radiation hazards. AND Qualifying experience includes at least two of the following: (1) conducting radiation laboratory audits, weekly surveys, and leak testing to identify and evaluate hazards in accordance with license conditions; (2) performing the maintenance, calibration, and quality assurance of portable and fixed radiation detection instruments, including LSC counting or gamma spectroscopy; (3) executing logistics for the shipping, receiving, and packaging of radioactive materials while ensuring compliance with NRC, DOT, and EPA regulations ; or (4) coordinating radioactive waste collection and processing projects while maintaining meticulous records of radiation levels and personnel exposures. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Performs professional work to protect personnel and environments from ionizing radiation hazards by identifying and evaluating potential radiation hazards across diverse facility operations. Applies and implements procedures to eliminate, control, or minimize radiation exposure. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Position Details

• Job Title: Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist)
• Company / Organisation: National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Field / Industry: Healthcare
• Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid — Gaithersburg, Maryland

About This Opportunity

This full-time opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology is an excellent opening for experienced professionals in the field of healthcare and medicine. The role is structured around an on-site or hybrid environment based in Gaithersburg, Maryland and is designed for candidates who are ready to make a meaningful contribution from the moment they join.

Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, this role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local team in a structured professional environment. Candidates currently based in the area or open to relocation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Whether you are an established practitioner in healthcare and medicine or a highly skilled professional looking for your next challenge, this Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist) role offers the platform to apply your expertise in a real-world, results-oriented environment. National Institute of Standards and Technology is looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running and add genuine value to the team.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates who have a solid background in healthcare and medicine and a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality results. You should possess clinical competence, compassion, precision, and a commitment to patient safety and best-practice care. Experience working with electronic health record (EHR) systems, diagnostic tools, and clinical management platforms will be an advantage, though a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is equally valued.

Beyond technical or domain expertise, National Institute of Standards and Technology is looking for someone who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and takes ownership of their work from start to finish. If you thrive in a professional environment and are passionate about the opportunity to improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community, we encourage you to apply.

Key Competencies for This Role

Successful candidates for the Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist) position at National Institute of Standards and Technology will typically demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Domain expertise — a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in healthcare and medicine
• Problem-solving ability — the capacity to identify challenges, think critically, and implement practical solutions efficiently
• Communication skills — clear and professional communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners at all levels
• Self-management — strong time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload while meeting deadlines
• Team collaboration — a collaborative and supportive approach to working alongside colleagues across departments or locations
• Adaptability — the ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment

How to Apply

To apply for this Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist) position at National Institute of Standards and Technology, click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be taken directly to the official application page where you can complete and submit your application.

Before applying, please ensure that your CV or résumé is fully up to date and clearly highlights your experience and accomplishments in healthcare and medicine. If a cover letter is included or requested, tailor it specifically to this role and explain how your background, skills, and goals align with what National Institute of Standards and Technology is looking for in a Health Physicist (Ionizing Radiation Specialist).

All applications for this role are processed directly by National Institute of Standards and Technology. Career Nest facilitates the job discovery process and does not pre-screen or forward applications on behalf of employers. There are no fees for job seekers at any stage of the application process.

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