Health Physicist
Summary
This is a Health Physicist position within the Division of Safety, Office of Research Services (ORS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). If you have experience participating in assigned safety and health programs in a clinical or research science laboratory setting AND you want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the NIH Office of Research Services! For more information, visit [click to reveal website link].
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Duties
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- Coordinates and directs the daily activities of laboratory personnel, including physical science technicians and/or health physicists, and ensures laboratory operations are conducted in accordance with established regulatory requirements.
- Reviews and verifies laboratory data for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to quality standards.
- Provides advanced technical support and operational coordination for environmental radioactivity monitoring and analytical laboratory activities.
- Uses computer software to analyze data, prepare reports, and document radiation safety matters such as enforcement actions.
- Develops, revises, and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory activities and recommends improvements to laboratory processes and operational practices.
- Performs advanced technical assignments and special projects related to radiation safety and health physics program activities.
- Provides technical support for the radiation safety training program by developing and updating training materials and presenting instruction on radiation safety topics through classroom lectures and "hands on" workshops.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
- Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
- Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Position requires Education.
- The work requires some physical exertion, such as extended periods of standing, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.
- Decontamination procedures typically involve recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as radiation monitoring instruments and shielding equipment.
- incumbent may need to climb a ladder to monitor radiation and contamination levels in some areas or to access environmental monitoring stations.
- You must be able to lift and move heavy items weighing 25 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Health Physicist, GS-1306, you must meet the Basic Qualification Requirements below:
A. Bachelor's or higher degree in 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
B. Combination of directly related education and experience - courses as shown 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 above.
Additionally:
You qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:
A. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) Performing scientific analyses in support of a health physics project which utilizes radioactive materials or equipment; 2) Using automated databases to prepare reports and document radiation safety data; 3) Investigating radiation exposures to personnel; 4) Performing radiation safety clearance of laboratories and equipment.
OR
B. Completion of 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a
related field.
OR
C. A combination of education and specialized experience that meets the qualification requirements for this position.
You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:
A. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) Planning and executing health physics studies which utilize radioactive materials or equipment; 2) Conducting laboratory inspections to identify and evaluate potential radiation hazards in compliance with safety regulations; 3) Making recommendations to reduce or eliminate exposure; 4) Conducting radiation safety training or workshops.
You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.
Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.
Preview application questionnaire before you apply: [click to reveal website link]
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.
If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.
Additional information
- This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
- Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
- PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
- At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework compressed schedules, flexible schedules.
- The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
- The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
- Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
- If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.
- NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
- A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active-duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.