Senior Health Physics Technician

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks to fill a Senior Health Physics (Radiological Control) Technician opening to support fusion facilities, nuclear materials management and other research programs involving radioactive materials and radiation generating devices used in materials and fusion energy research. Work involves operating analytical equipment in the radioactive materials count room and supporting radiation measurement instrument calibrations. The individual will work with researchers, accelerator operators and machine technicians on the largest US fusion energy device (spherical tokamak) and most powerful worldwide .

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing radiological safety requirements for workers. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a multi-disciplined team of scientists, operators, technicians and engineers to ensure PPPL Environmental Health & Safety standards are consistently met and that research programs advance and meet PPPL Annual Laboratory Plans (ALP) goals.

Independently perform field monitoring of radiological conditions and ensure worker safety. Work closely with physicists, engineers, operations and maintenance crews to monitor radiological conditions, reinforce radiation safety principles and behaviors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards during active plasma operations and maintenance activities.

PPPL is one of 17 U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories and is managed by Princeton University. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source.

PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Core Duties:

• Plan, coordinate and lead radiological surveys, monitoring, posting, access controls, SNM controls and instrument calibrations for PPPL.
• Radiological Surveys (25%):
  Conduct routine and job-specific surveys for radiation dose rates, surface contamination, and airborne radioactivity, with emphasis on tritium (H-3) and activation products.
• Job Coverage (20%):
  Provide in-field radiological coverage for maintenance activities, particularly during accelerator operations, or handling of activated structural components.
• Instrumentation (10%):
  Operate, calibrate, source-check, and maintain specialized radiation detection equipment, including ion chambers, scintillation detectors, proportional counters, liquid scintillation counters, and tritium air monitors.
• Tritium Monitoring (10%):
  Perform specialized tritium smears, operate tritium air samplers, and manage breathing air controls for personnel working in potential tritium atmospheres.
• Radiological Postings & Access Control (10%):
  Establish and maintain radiological controlled areas (RCAs), Airborne Radioactivity Areas, Radiation Areas and High Radiation Areas based on survey results and operational status.
• Dosimetry, source inventories, and training (10%):
  Assist in issuing and tracking personal dosimetry.
• Waste Management (10%):
  Assist in the characterization, packaging, and shipping of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and mixed waste generated during fusion operations.
• Emergency Response (5%):
  Serve as a key responder during radiological spills, abnormal facility conditions, or personnel contamination events.

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an HP Technician in commercial or naval nuclear power plant, DOE or DOD facility, particle accelerator, or relevant industrial facility.

Desired Education/Experience/Knowledge/Certifications

• Associates degree in radiation or nuclear science or technology.
• DOE Core or ANSI 18.1 or 3.1 qualifications.
• Experience with radiation instrumentation calibrations and electronics repair of radiation detection instrumentation.
• NRRPT Certification:
  Registration with the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.
• Experience with tritium monitoring, liquid scintillation counting, and tritium contamination…