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Health Physics Technician III/Sr.

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $50.40–$52.40 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found something wrong on your own, without a supervisor, and had to decide what to do next.

What they are checking: The posting asks for work without extensive supervision, so they need sound independent judgment and escalation instincts.

DOE radiological training here has to be passed within two weeks. How do you approach learning a large body of regulations quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic study approach and take the qualification deadline seriously.

Describe a time a researcher was frustrated with a radiological requirement. How did you keep the relationship good while still getting compliance?

What they are checking: The interpersonal skill to support scientists as partners rather than acting only as an enforcer.

What would you do

A senior scientist wants to start work before you've finished posting an area and says it's low risk. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold the line on radiological controls politely, even with someone far more senior.

Your instrument fails its daily source check in the middle of a job coverage. What happens next?

What they are checking: Whether they stop using suspect data immediately and know how to recover without stalling the work.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd survey a glove box area after a researcher reports a possible contamination event.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a sound, ordered survey method under pressure and know which instruments fit which radiation types.

How do you choose between a GM pancake probe, an alpha scintillator and an ion chamber for a job? Give me an example where picking the wrong one would mislead you.

What they are checking: Real working knowledge of instrument limits, which decides whether the measurements they record can be trusted.

What are the radiological hazards specific to accelerator facilities that you wouldn't see in a typical hood or bench top lab?

What they are checking: Awareness of activation, prompt radiation and interlock issues that come with Argonne's accelerator work.

How do you document radiological conditions so someone reading your survey a year later knows exactly what you found?

What they are checking: Whether their records are complete and defensible, since survey documentation is reviewed by DOE and auditors.

How do you apply ALARA when you're the one doing the survey, not just advising others?

What they are checking: Whether they practice dose reduction in their own work, not just recite the principle.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

The Radiological Protection division invites you to consider applying for our Health Physics Technician opening. In this role, you will provide field and laboratory support for the Radiological Protection Program. You will measure, assess, and document radiological conditions in the workplace. In this position, you will: • Complete required tasks without extensive supervision - critical thinking and problem solving are required • Engage and support research scientists and engineers with considerable interpersonal skill • Operate in a professional, single-site multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, with consistent schedule and work/life balance • Receive continued training and instruction • Have future opportunities to advance your career while remaining with the Lab Please review the following video to learn more about opportunities at Argonne within the radiological protection program: https://youtu.be/vtcMw-574EY Position Requirements We expect you to have: • Comprehensive knowledge of radiation monitoring instruments and equipment including, but not limited to accelerator facilities, bench tops, glove boxes, hoods, and novel instrumentation. • Completion of DOE mandated radiological training and on-going continuous education coursework, as specified, is a requirement for this position, required to pass after two weeks. • Interpersonal and communication skills required to interact effectively and tactfully with internal customers and to successfully develop effective working relationships. • Some experience in customer service environment is preferred. • Capability to wear Respirators and protective suits as part of the PPE program. • Ability to model Argonne’s core values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. This role may be hired as a Health Physics Technician III or Sr. Health Physics Technician. The level will be determined by the final candidate’s level of education, experience, and skill. • Health Physics Technician III – This level of skill is typically attained through completion of an associate degree and with 2 or more years of related experience, or equivalent. • Sr. Health Physics Technician - This level of skill is typically attained through completion of an associate degree with 5 or more years of related experience, or equivalent. This is a union position. The hourly wage is determined by the collective bargaining agreement between the union and Argonne. This description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Job Family Union Job Profile Health Physics Tech III Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $50.40-$52.40. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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