Radiation Imaging Physicist

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

The Radiation Imaging Physicist will support multiple projects developing radiation probe and detection solutions for domestic and international partners. The position involves research, testing, evaluation, and analysis of radiation signatures and detection systems across a range of technology readiness levels, from benchtop experiments to field work with large-scale industrial radiation detection systems. The work supports interdiction, nonproliferation, and nuclear incident response missions and is conducted with interdisciplinary teams addressing national and international challenges. The role includes planning radiation detection tests and experiments, preparing associated documentation, setting up and conducting laboratory and field tests, analyzing data, and conducting peer reviews. The physicist will analyze x-ray and gamma detection datasets; assess radiation signatures and fields through measurements or simulations; and perform modeling and simulation using physics simulation software. They may also provide technical assessments, failure or equipment analyses, review system design and maintenance, develop or review operating documentation, and advise clients on radiation detection missions, capabilities, operations, and best practices. Deliverables may include hardware samples, data packages, written reports, and briefings. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and meet applicable U.S. citizenship, background investigation, and drug-testing requirements. The role is designated as a Testing Designated Position and requires pre-employment and random drug testing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field and 2 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field; or a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
Strong background in the candidate’s major field of study.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.
Meet federal background investigation eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Undergo pre-employment and post-employment random drug testing and demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the required Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
Meet requirements to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification credential or, where applicable, a favorable Local Site Specific Only federal risk determination.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Physics with a nuclear or applied nuclear physics specialization and a focus on x-ray, gamma, and neutron radiation detection, or PhD in Nuclear Engineering with a focus on x-ray, gamma, and neutron radiation detection.
At least 2 years of experience in radiation spectroscopy and detector systems, including alpha, beta, and gamma systems.
At least 2 years of experience in radiation imaging and analysis.
Experience with commercial and laboratory-developed x-ray imaging systems.
Experience with commercial and/or open-source image-display and analysis software and ionizing-radiation-transport simulation frameworks.
Strong knowledge of x-ray and gamma-ray physics for imaging and attenuation analysis.
Demonstrated understanding of AI models and ability to apply agentic tools to data-analysis problems.
Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on radiation detection technologies and analyze and characterize radiation signatures in support of interdiction, nonproliferation, and nuclear incident response missions.
Plan radiation detection tests and analyses and develop associated documentation.
Set up and execute laboratory and field tests and experiments.
Analyze data and conduct peer reviews.
Prepare deliverables, including hardware samples, data packages, written reports, and briefs.
Analyze x-ray and gamma detection datasets and provide technical assessments, failure analyses, or equipment analyses as appropriate.
Develop operating documentation for x-ray or gamma detection systems or provide subject-matter-expert reviews of documentation.
Review and provide input on the design, hardware, troubleshooting, and maintenance of radiation detection and x-ray systems.
Perform modeling and simulation using physics simulation software and analyze and interpret simulation output.
Assess signatures and fields created by radioactive materials using measurements or simulations.
Review and provide input on emerging standards or regulations involving radiation or radioactive materials.
Support clients in developing radiation detection missions, test and evaluation capabilities, improved operations, and best practices.