Health Physicist/Physical Scientist

Background

This Health Physicist/Physical Scientist position is located in various organizations within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and in several locations: Rockville, MD; Chattanooga, TN; Atlanta, GA; Naperville, IL; King of Prussia, PA; and Arlington, TX.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proud to be ranked among the best places to work for compensation, work-life balance, and performance for mid-sized agencies in the Federal Government.

The NRC protects public health and safety and advances the nation’s common defense and security by enabling the safe and secure use and deployment of civilian nuclear energy technologies and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation for the benefit of society and the environment.

Duties

This is a Health Physicist/Physical Scientist Direct Hire job opportunity that exists throughout various organizations within the agency. NRC employees have responsibilities that include: protecting public health and safety; protecting the environment; protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and plants in the interest of national security; and assuring conformity with antitrust laws. Agency employees perform these functions through: standards-setting and rulemaking, technical reviews and studies; conduct of public hearings; issuance of authorizations, permits, and licenses; inspection, investigation, and enforcement; evaluation of operating experience; and confirmatory research.

Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to the grade level and series of the position.

Qualifications

This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority.

In order to qualify for these positions, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

To qualify for GG-11: Doctorate degree (PhD) in or related to a Physical Science discipline OR Masters Degree and one year of post degree work experience OR Bachelors degree and two years of post degree work experience in or related to Physical Science.

GG-12 and above: Requires 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as work experience applying professional scientific disciplines required for the positions being filled.

The ideal candidate for these positions must demonstrate:

1) Knowledge of the applicable requirements, policies, practices, and programs applicable to sciences (including but not limited to nuclear reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials, nuclear waste, or risk assessment);

2) Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage complex, highly technical projects;

3) Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing; and

4) Ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

Education

You must meet basic education and professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal science positions for the grade levels to which you are applying.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a highly competitive vacancy with a limited number of openings available. When a need exists, applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Applications will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.

Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials during the open period.

If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.

How to Apply

Visit www.nrc.gov Review the NRC Career Opportunities page, click on “Apply Now” then “Search for New Opportunities” and click on “view a list of current NRC vacancies at USAJOBS.” Or, click on the apply button/link on this site to be taken to NRC ‘s USAJOBS.gov employment page. Find the Direct Hire Public Notice Health Physicist/Physical Scientist Announcement Number DE-13101775-27-TC and apply on-line by January 28, 2027. However, this announcement has numerous cut-off dates listed in the official announcement on USAJOBS. Apply early for consideration.

Note: It is essential for you to view the official Job Opportunity Announcement found on USAJOBS. It will provide precise information about the qualification requirements and the exact documents to be submitted for you to be evaluated, which will include your resume (not to exceed two pages in length), your transcripts, your responses to all required vacancy questions and any documents related to application eligibilities you may be claiming.

If you are viewing this opportunity after January 28th please visit NRC’s website and discover additional opportunities for which you might be interested.