Operational Health Physicist

Reporting to a manager in the Environment, Waste and Radiation Protection (EWRP) Department, the Operational Health Physicist has responsibilities for radiation protection in assigned areas and activities at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Working under consultative direction, the incumbent applies a recognized expertise in radiation protection theories, concepts, and practices. Possessing a broad knowledge of related disciplines, this role provides technical field support and assists in the establishment and maintenance of related technical programs within the Radiation Protection Group.

In this role, you will apply recognized expertise to develop solutions for a wide range of complex work assignments pertaining to radiation protection as implemented at LBNL to facilitate research and operations. Self-initiated tasks include, but are not limited to, providing technical subject matter expertise to resolve issues related to health physics, accelerator safety, radiological materials, and/or radiation generating devices, as well as managing regulatory and site-required documents such as policies, procedures, and technical basis documents to ensure LBNL radiation protection programs meet all regulatory requirements.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Key responsibilities:

Field Support

• Serve in a technical leadership role in the planning and execution of high hazard or high consequence radiological work, applying broad knowledge of best radiation practices to guide work safely to completion.
• Analyze, interpret and recommend radiological safety engineering and ALARA concepts required to maintain a safe workplace for employees performing radiological work.
• Perform radiological hazard reviews, ALARA reviews and evaluate work plans to develop safety controls to establish safe work environments. Support the identification of design requirements and oversee the design of radiation shielding.
• Respond to on-site radiological emergencies in a field and technical subject matter expert role to support on-site operational personnel. Investigate and report radiological incidents and recommend solutions.
• Perform observations of experiments and work activities to ensure safe work practices and compliance with radiation protection policies, programs, procedures, permits, work control documents and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with Laboratory personnel, anticipating their needs and supporting planning and implementing their objectives by furnishing radiation protection input.
• Act as lead on medium to large projects, and may serve as work lead for others on technical program matters.

Technical Program Support

• Develop and maintain technical program documentation, software and hardware in subject areas assigned ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Independently evaluate performance of assigned technical programs to identify potential improvements.
• Participate in technical review committees as necessary to support the safe design, startup and routine operation of LBNL accelerator facilities. Participate in accelerator facility safety basis and configuration control design, support the oversight and implementation of necessary controls to ensure personnel safety and supporting line management in the implementation of change management.
• Compile and submit regulatory reports, requests for information and other regulatory information as assigned.
• Act as point of contact with regulatory agencies for assigned technical programs.
• Review federal, state and local laws, pertaining to radiation protection, to identify changes regarding statutes and rulings.
• Lead the review and update assigned procedures, policies and other documentation to ensure RPG programs reflect current regulations, relevant guidance documents, and safe work practices.

QA and assurance

• Review and analyze results of radiation protection surveys or inspections to ensure quality, procedural compliance, and best practices.
• Independently perform audits and assessments of assigned areas and programs, identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of all applicable RPG files and records necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Independently provide technical oversight of less experienced staff.

We are looking for:

• B.S. in Physics, Radiological Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 7-10 years of experience; or M.S. and 5-7 years of experience; or PhD. and 3-5 years of experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Broad knowledge of Federal, state and local regulatory requirements for management of radioactive materials, radiation generating devices, accelerators and transportation of radioactive materials.
• Broad knowledge of operational health physics principles and practices as applied to research establishments or other complex facilities.
• Ability to identify and solve difficult technical or regulatory problems in assigned areas of responsibility, making decisions using judgment to implement optimum solutions.
• Ability to understand programmatic needs and assist in planning and implementing improvements and responses to regulatory changes in collaboration with other RPG personnel.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Operational experience of alpha-emitting radionuclide handling facilities, DOE facilities, or accelerator facilities.
• Operational experience with radioactive and hazardous material shipments, transportation, and associated regulations.
• Experience with radiation detection and measurement equipment and techniques.
• Experience with Microshield, Varskin, MCNP, FLUKA or other relevant modeling codes.
• Professional certification, as applicable.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. 
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $158,364 - $193,560 which fits into the full salary of $140,748 - $237,504 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.