Research Reactor Experiment Specialist

Kansas State University

$75K — $87K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience; additional education may substitute for experience.
  • Preferably in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge of radiation protection principles and NRC regulatory requirements.
  • Experience in radiological analyses and radiation surveys.
  • Proficiency with reactor analysis tools and radiation detection systems.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and coordinate experimental activities at a nuclear research reactor.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison between reactor operations and facility users.
  • Ensure experiments are designed, reviewed, and conducted safely and efficiently.
  • Support research, education, isotope production, and irradiation services.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to nuclear safety culture.

Benefits

  • On-site work environment, enhancing collaboration with team members.
  • Possibility for career growth through obtaining a Senior Reactor Operator License within 12 months.
  • Engagement with diverse research projects, promoting a dynamic work atmosphere.
Full Job Description
About This Role

The Research Reactor Experiment Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting experimental activities conducted at a nuclear research reactor and associated experimental facilities. This position serves as the primary technical liaison between reactor operations staff and facility users, ensuring experiments are designed, reviewed, installed, and conducted safely and efficiently in compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality requirements. The Experiment Specialist supports research, education, isotope production, and irradiation services while maintaining a strong commitment to nuclear safety culture.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.
    The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced technical knowledge, design principles and analytical skills essential for developing, testing and implementing engineering solutions. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
  • Master's degree in Health Physics or related discipline
  • Strong knowledge of radiation protection principles and NRC regulatory requirements
  • Experience performing radiological analyses and radiation surveys
  • Proficiency with reactor analysis tools (e.g., MCNP, SCALE, PHITS, OpenMC, or equivalent)
  • Proficiency with radiation detection systems (e.g. HPGe/gamma spectrometer, liquid scintillation counter, thermoluminescent dosimeters, survey meters)
  • Ability to work effectively in a regulated, safety-critical environment
  • Ability to pass USNRC background check and obtain unescorted access
  • Must be able to meet requirements for selection and training of personnel for research reactors (ANSI/ANS 15.4) and obtain a Senior Reactor Operator License within 12 months
  • Experience at a research or test reactor
  • Experience with reactor dosimetry, activation analysis, or isotope production
  • Experience supporting NRC inspections or licensing actions
  • Strong technical writing, communication, and instructional skills

Additional Role Information:

  • Ability to pass USNRC background check and obtain unescorted access
  • Must be able to meet requirements for selection and training of personnel for research reactors (ANSI/ANS 15.4) and obtain Senior Reactor Operator License within 12 months
  • Occasional duties outside the usual M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. hours, may be required to support reactor operations

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Contact information for 3 references
Application Window

Applications close on: July 17, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$75,000-$87,000

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