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Health Physicist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Health Physicist

Ames, IA · On-site

Health Physicist Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department ...

Iowa State University

Health Physicist

Ames, IA

Health Physicist Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department at ...

UnityPoint Health

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Why UnityPoint Health? At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 ... Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required * Doctor's degree in ...

UnityPoint Health

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Health ... Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required * Doctor's degree in ...

UnityPoint Health

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Why UnityPoint Health? At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 ... Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required * Doctor's degree in ...

3B Healthcare, Inc.

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Cannot sponsor any candidate The manager is looking for someone that is primarily on site and then would be open to 1 day per week remote Radiation Physicist Responsible for performing all medical ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to support undergraduate students in physics courses for science, engineering, and pre-health programs.

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to support undergraduate students in physics courses for science, engineering, and pre-health programs.

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All JobsHealth Physicist JobsHealth Physicist Jobs in Iowa

Health Physicist information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$89K

$212.7K

How much do health physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for health physicist in Iowa is $89,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a health physicist do?

As a health physicist, your job is to monitor radiation levels, evaluate the compliance of radiation-using facilities with safety regulations, and inspect buildings and equipment. In this career, you may conduct assessments, train local staff on safety protocols, help create new policies and procedures, and conduct radiological surveys. Some health physicists work exclusively for one facility, while others travel to different areas. Health physicists also spend time learning new procedures, studying new equipment, and adapting to a changing work environment. You may be asked to provide input on how radiation may affect patients, implants, or specific aspects of the health care process.

What is the difference between Health Physicist vs Radiation Safety Officer?

AspectHealth PhysicistRadiation Safety Officer
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CHP), degree in health physics or related fieldSimilar certifications, often CHP, with focus on safety protocols
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nuclear facilities, research labsIndustrial sites, medical facilities, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageDesigning safety programs, radiation protection, complianceImplementing safety procedures, monitoring radiation exposure

Both roles focus on radiation safety and require similar certifications, but Health Physicists often engage in technical assessments and program development, while Radiation Safety Officers primarily oversee safety compliance and daily monitoring. Their work environments and responsibilities overlap, but their specific focus areas differ within the radiation safety field.

Are health physicists in demand?

Health physicists are in demand due to the need for radiation safety in medical, nuclear, and research facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as regulations increase and new technologies emerge, often requiring certifications such as the Certified Health Physicist credential.

What are some common challenges faced by health physicists in maintaining radiation safety in diverse work environments?

Health physicists often work in varied settings, such as hospitals, research laboratories, or nuclear facilities, where each environment presents unique radiation safety challenges. They must stay current with evolving regulations, adapt safety protocols to new technologies, and ensure that all staff understand and follow proper procedures. Balancing administrative duties, onsite inspections, and ongoing training can be demanding, but these efforts are crucial for maintaining a safe workplace and minimizing radiation exposure risks.

What is a health physicist?

A Health Physicist is a professional who specializes in radiation protection and the safe use of radioactive materials. They work to ensure that people and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation in settings such as hospitals, research labs, nuclear power plants, and industry. Health Physicists develop safety procedures, monitor radiation levels, and help ensure compliance with government regulations. Their work is essential for minimizing radiation risks while allowing for the beneficial uses of radiation in medicine, research, and energy production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health physicist?

To thrive as a Health Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, radiation safety, and health science, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health physics or a related field. Familiarity with radiation detection instruments, dosimetry software, and relevant certifications such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP) are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for assessing hazards and advising on safety protocols. These competencies are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting public health, and maintaining safe environments where ionizing radiation is present.
More about Health Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Health Physicist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in Iowa? For Health Physicist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Health Physicist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Health Physicist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in IA? For Health Physicist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Health Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,047 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Health Physicist

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Health Physicist
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department at Iowa State University is accepting applications for a Health Physicist position. EH&S is an employing unit that reports to the Office of General Counsel at ISU. EH&S aids the campus community in preventing illness and injury, protects the environment, and connects the university to the message of safety and preparedness. EH&S delivers effective training, fosters beneficial partnerships, maintains technical expertise, and provides exemplary service.
The successful candidate will support the Radiation Safety Program through a variety of technical, compliance, and service-oriented activities, including:
  • Implementing Iowa State University's radiation safety policies and procedures.
  • Conducting radiation safety surveys of research laboratories and associated facilities.
  • Collecting and analyzing samples to assess radiological conditions and quantify contamination, when present.
  • Reviewing engineering and administrative controls to support inventory management and reduce potential radiation exposure risks.
  • Calibrating, validating, and maintaining radiation detection and monitoring equipment.
  • Supporting the worker dosimetry program and compliance with the university's ALARA program.
  • Working with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to promote the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices.
  • Depending on experience and classification level, providing technical guidance, conducting program audits, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the Radiation Safety Program.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to form positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners through effective written and oral communication. The candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and excellent organizational and multitasking skills to manage a variety of simultaneous responsibilities. The candidate will also be comfortable using computers, mobile devices, and software applications to maintain compliance records, analyze data, and prepare related reports.
This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys supporting cutting-edge research while helping maintain a safe and compliant environment for the university community. The position offers the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers across a broad range of disciplines, develop expertise in radiation safety and regulatory compliance, and contribute to Iowa State University's research, teaching, and outreach mission.
This candidate may be hired at a level I or II, depending on experience:
Level I: Requires a Bachelor's degree (PS808)
Level II: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience (PS810)
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Biology/Molecular/Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Occupational Safety/Health, Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field
  • Technical training covering OSHA, EPA, NFPA, or related workplace regulations, guidelines, and standards
  • Experience developing and administering safety training
  • Demonstrated experience working within a laboratory environment
  • Experience with spreadsheets and relational databases
  • Experience working at a college, university, or research institution

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by 8/20/2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS808
Original Posting Date:
August 6, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19738
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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