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Health Physicist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

As a Health Physicist and key member of the Radiation Safety Services team, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing ...

As a Health Physicist and key member of the Radiation Safety Services team, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing ...

Medical Physicist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$70.92 - $96.15/hr

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Physicist, provides professional medical physics for the ... As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for ...

Oncology Physicist

Boston, MA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Oncology Physicist page is loaded## Oncology Physicistlocations: Massachusetts Fixed Site - Boston ... Recognized as a trusted national partner for hospitals, health systems, and physician groups, we ...

Senior Physicist

Danvers, MA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Senior Physicist * Location: Danvers, MA * Remote work is available one day per week. Additional ... Who We Are Samsung HME America (Healthcare and Medical Equipment) is Samsung's U.S. medical imaging ...

Quantum Memory Physicist About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans * 401(k) ...

Quantum Memory Physicist About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans * 401(k) ...

CHIEF MEDICAL PHYSICIST

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$230K - $300K/yr

CHIEF MEDICAL PHYSICIST Under the direction of the Radiology Director and the Chief of Radiation ... As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for ...

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Health Physicist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$42.9K

$103K

$246.1K

How much do health physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for health physicist in Boston, MA is $102,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $121,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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, requiring specialized knowledge and certifications such as the Certified Health Physicist credential.

Do health physicists make good money?

Health physicists typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages often above the national average for science and engineering roles. Salaries vary based on experience, education, certifications, and work environment, such as hospitals, nuclear facilities, or government agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Health Physicist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Health Physicist jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Health Physicist job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,990 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Health Physicist

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Job Description
Join the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team at Harvard University and help champion a culture of safety across research facilities. As a Health Physicist and key member of the Radiation Safety Services team, you will serve as a subject matter expert, providing professional guidance on the safe use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. In this collaborative role, you will partner directly with researchers to find safe, practical solutions that support their scientific objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance. We are looking for an engaging, service-oriented professional who can communicate effectively across all levels of the University.
Work Schedule:This role requires an in-person presence on the Cambridge and Longwood campuses to support laboratories. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with flexibility based on operational needs and scheduled laboratory support.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
  • Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Associate Health Physicists and other EHS staff, as assigned, and support consistent implementation of radiation safety program requirements across labs.
  • Program Development: Own assigned elements of the Radiation Safety Program (e.g., SOP governance and periodic review). Maintain and advance proficiency in Health Physics instrumentation, methods, and best practices, and ensure program documentation remains current and inspection ready.
  • Radiological Surveillance & Operations: Perform routine and job-specific surveys using dose-rate and contamination meters. Analyze results, conduct x-ray cabinet leakage surveys, and execute technical decontamination activities as needed.
  • Researcher Support & Partnership: Act as the primary point of contact for assigned laboratories. Build strong relationships with researchers, provide proactive assistance, training, and safety oversight in a positive, solutions-oriented manner.
  • Maintain rigorous records: In a timely manner, document all inspections, radiological surveys, meter calibrations, meter QC checks, sample results, package receipt records, and shipping records for regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct Permit Inspections: Conduct laboratory inspections to verify safe storage, use, and disposal of radiation sources (e.g., RAM, laser, x-ray, UV, RF, magnets), including review of engineering controls, training, SOPs, and required documentation.
  • RAM waste processing and disposal: Support the radioactive waste program by evaluating, aggregating, and processing radioactive material (RAM) for appropriate disposal pathways. Harvard will provide DOT Hazmat Shipper training and qualification support, with ongoing maintenance of this qualification as part of the role.
  • Develop working knowledge of EHS Program: Understand the structure and function of all areas of EHS. Maintain familiarity with and participate in emergency cross training procedures.
  • Emergency Response: Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to triage and/or respond to daytime and after-hours laboratory safety incidents, consistent with EHS Emergency Response Team requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervision/management.

Working Conditions:
  • Participate in EH&S Emergency Response Team on rotating basis; will be required to carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours with other EHS staff
  • Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects

Physical Requirements:
  • Must have sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response activities and field visits
  • Must be capable of using personal protective equipment and monitoring equipment, be able to access any area of the University to perform designated work functions including but not limited to inspections, job safety assessments, and emergency response

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in health physics (or related field) or five years of related work experience. Education may count toward experience.
  • At least two years of experience conducting comprehensive radiation laboratory safety analysis in a university, research, or highly regulated environment, including demonstrated ownership of program improvements (e.g., SOP updates, audits, corrective actions, or compliance process changes).
  • Strong working knowledge of state and federal regulations governing radiation use (MDPH, NRC, DOT, OSHA, and EPA).
  • High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows OS, and the ability to use web-based EHS systems/databases and mobile technology for field work.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written), with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Successful completion of criminal background and suitability investigation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master of Science in Health Physics or a closely related field.
  • Progress toward obtaining Certified Health Physicist (CHP) and/or Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) certification.
  • Experience performing laser hazard assessments in accordance with ANSI Z136.1 (current edition).

Technology Skills Requirements
Proficiency and experience with full Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and presentation software required. Intermediate Excel skills and working knowledge of Windows operating system are required. Must have familiarity with email, voice mail, and be able to quickly adapt to emergency response procedures and protocols.
Special Requirements
  • Strong knowledge of regulations and best practices for academic radioactive material and radiation generating device use required.
  • Participate in the EHS Emergency Response Team on a rotating basis (estimated 6 to 7 times per year). As a cross-trained EHS staff member, carry a mobile phone and respond to emergencies during non-business hours as part of the rotation. Periodic participation on-site during off hours, holidays, and weekends may be required to support projects.
  • Driver's license with some local travel may be periodically required.
  • Must obtain and maintain DOT Hazmat Shipper qualification as required for the role.

Certificates and Licenses:
  • Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CHP preferred
  • Progress demonstrated towards obtaining CLSO preferred

Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • This role requires an in-person presence on the Cambridge and Longwood campuses to support laboratories. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position with flexibility based on operational needs and scheduled laboratory support.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Drug Testing, Criminal, Trustworthy and Reliability Determination, References
Other Information:
Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel
#LI-JD3
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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