Become a Health Physicist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Are you a dedicated professional in the field of radiological science looking to make a national impact? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is currently hiring for a Health Physicist based in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a premier opportunity for a subject matter expert to influence public health outcomes by providing critical scientific advisory services.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Physicist, your work will be central to the National Center for Environmental Health's mission. Your primary duties will include:

Serving as a principal scientific advisor for radiation dosimetry and public health safety.
Leading complex radiation studies, including dose reconstruction and environmental pathway analysis.
Developing program goals and strategic policies that improve health safety for the general public.
Coordinating with high-level federal, state, and international partners on radiological emergency response strategies.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency and academic background to be considered for this high-impact position:

Education: A degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in relevant subjects like physics, health physics, or calculus.
Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 federal level, specifically in radiation modeling, scientific project leadership, and policy support.
Clearance: Ability to pass a background check and maintain a Critical-Sensitive security status.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive federal salary range and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$133,007 - $172,915
Location	Atlanta, Georgia
Benefits	Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, FERS Retirement, Paid Leave

Application Tips

Federal applications are rigorous. To increase your chances:

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience specifically reflects the "Specialized Experience" criteria listed in the announcement.
Check the Format: Keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit.
Document Everything: Provide exact dates and hours per week for all previous roles to ensure your experience is fully creditable.

This position offers a unique chance to lead in the field of public health radiation safety. If you possess the required technical expertise and a passion for public service, we encourage you to review the full details and apply as soon as possible, as this vacancy may close early upon reaching the 100-application threshold.

Why This Health Physicist Job Matters

Apply your expertise in radiological science to protect public health at the federal level with the CDC in Atlanta.

Health Physicist Job Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking a highly skilled Health Physicist to join the National Center for Environmental Health. In this vital role, you will serve as a primary scientific advisor to agency leadership on complex matters involving radiation dosimetry, nuclear engineering, and public health impact. You will lead cutting-edge radiation studies, including computer modeling and dose reconstruction, while collaborating with interagency and international partners to shape strategic policy.

Requirements for Health Physicist

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet basic educational requirements: A degree in natural science or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, or calculus.
Alternatively, hold a combination of education and experience, or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics.
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
Experience must include: Developing advanced radiation dose reconstruction models, leading complex radiological scientific projects, providing policy support, and offering expert technical guidance to interagency/tribal partners.
Resume must not exceed two pages.
Must be able to pass a drug screening as this is a drug-free federal workplace.
Must undergo a Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk security clearance process.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Physicist

Demonstrated ability to manage interdisciplinary nuclear/radiological programs.
Expertise in environmental pathway analysis and source term estimation.
Proven history of providing technical assistance to Federal, State, or Tribal agencies regarding radiation protection.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary package.
✓Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous leave policies including annual and sick leave.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives based on funding.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Support for federal work-life balance initiatives.

💡 How to Apply Health Physicist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Physicist Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit, ensuring all dates and work hours are clearly documented.
Review the full job announcement on the official portal to understand all required supporting documents.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your complete application package before the announcement closes at 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2026, or once 100 applications are received.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all federal requirements are captured correctly.
Be specific regarding dates of employment (MM/YY) and average hours worked per week.
Do not simply copy and paste duties from the job description into your resume; provide your own accomplishments.
Ensure your documentation (transcripts, SF-50, etc.) is ready to upload during the application process.
Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume content to ensure consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closing date for this position?

The announcement closes on October 26, 2026, or as soon as 100 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk and requires appropriate national security vetting.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, your resume must not exceed two pages; failure to follow this limit may result in disqualification.

What if I have experience from volunteer work?

Volunteer work that demonstrates the required competencies is creditable. Be sure to document it with dates and hours just as you would paid employment.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation incentives may be authorized based on funding availability and specific applicant qualifications, but they are not guaranteed.

Job from Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

The CDC is the nation’s premier health protection agency. Tasked with saving lives and protecting people from health threats, the CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats. Working at the CDC means becoming part of an organization that touches the lives of every American, whether through responding to global emergencies or monitoring environmental hazards.