Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist: Proton Therapy

Job Summary:

The Radiation Oncology Physics Section at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology, is seeking faculty/staff physicists to contribute to the next generation of proton therapy. The successful candidate will provide technical clinical support of our state-of-the-art proton therapy program. The proton program includes a Hitachi synchrotron, high-energy beam transport, intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) capability, a gantry room with 360-degree rotation, and a fixed beam room with a first-of-kind upright patient positioning system provided by Leo Cancer Care coupled with on-board dual-energy CT. Each room is equipped with high-precision patient positioning and volumetric x-ray-based image-guidance systems. Real-time image gated particle therapy via fluoroscopic image will be available in the gantry room.

The position will focus primarily on practicing proton physics services provided at the UW Health Cancer Center, Eastpark Medical Center location, which is part of our dual-hub model located on Madison's east side. The 469,000 square foot state-of- the-art facility will open in Fall, 2024 and will also include two Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, a GE MRI-simulator, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails. Aria record and verify systems will be fully integrated between our two major hubs. Siemens multi-energy CT and advanced treatment planning via RayStation are implemented to support high precision treatment planning and adaptive replanning.

In collaboration with the Chief Physicist, departmental leadership, and the Director of Proton Physics, incoming proton physics faculty, based on the candidate's interests and accomplishments, will have opportunities for research and teaching activities in alignment with the programmatic goals of the department. UW is a state-of-the-art integrated clinical, research, and training facility, ranked number 1 in Wisconsin in the U.S. News & World Report for the 11th consecutive year, that continually invests in the latest technological advancements. Access to ample preclinical/clinical research imaging and therapeutic systems (Xstrahl SARRP, FLASH, etc.) are available. A preclinical prototype of the upright patient positioning chair is actively available to ready the program for clinical use. Other active research programs include theranostics, artificial intelligence, normal-tissue toxicity assessment, advanced imaging, and automated treatment planning.

In addition to the services provided at our Eastpark location, the UW-Madison campus currently includes a Viewray MRIdian Linac with daily online adaptive radiation therapy, three Varian TrueBeams (one STx), an AccuRay Tomotherapy HDA, and two Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloaders. We offer a broad range of special procedures, including SRS/SBRT, TBI, TSE, and brachytherapy for a wide range of treatment sites (e.g., GYN, breast, prostate) with MRI-guided planning and BodyTom CT for image verification. Advanced simulation capabilities are routinely integrated into clinical practice including Siemens dual- energy computed tomography and 1.5 T GE MR-simulator units.

The UW-Madison campus, located in the heart of the City of Madison, spans 936 acres along the scenic southern shore of Lake Mendota. Madison is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the nation to live. The city encourages fitness with 61 miles of designated bike trails and over 146 miles of roads with marked bike lanes. Madison is surrounded by the beauty of four local lakes, has a lively culinary and festival scene, and promotes a healthy work life balance. UW Faculty and Staff also enjoy robust benefits such as the State of Wisconsin benefits package, a diverse campus setting, and a competitive salary.

Responsibilities:
- 10% Contribute to the commissioning and acceptance of the proton therapy system, associated equipment, and treatment planning processes.
- 20% Implement quality Assurance (QA) programs. Provide calibration, QA, and maintenance of radiation therapy equipment and maintain records.
- 20% Support proton treatment planning techniques and dosimetry team to ensure high quality treatment planning and implement state-of-the-art techniques, including integration of advanced imaging, upright treatment, adaptive therapy, and addressing other clinical needs.
- 25% Participate in routine clinical radiation oncology physics procedures, including plan checks, patient positioning, special physics consult, chart rounds participation, chart check, on-call physics coverage for proton therapy, and handling equipment repair and maintenance issues.
- 10% Investigate and identify additional clinical challenges in proton therapy, and develop cost-efficient solutions to enhance continuous quality improvement.
- 5% Participate in mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents and other trainees for proton-related clinical training.
- 5% Perform other clinical-related duties as assigned.
- 5% The successful candidate will also participate in professional, public, and university service.

Responsibilities:

Participates and interacts with medical staff and faculty analyzing and facilitating the technical delivery of patient care in all areas of clinical radiation oncology physics and radiation research and development. Performs clinical research and development based on the candidate's interests and accomplishments, and teaches residents and other trainees in the department.

• 25% Investigates and identifies problems, develops clinical solutions, and implements quality management programs related to the technical delivery of care for patients receiving therapeutic radiation
• 25% Participates in the development of novel image guided and intensity modulated radiation therapy, brachytherapy, TomoTherapy, and MR-guided treatment planning and delivery programs and oncology information systems
• 25% Implements advanced patient-centered procedures related to quality assurance monitoring, immobilization, localization, and dose verification in treatment delivery processes
• 25% Develops and performs clinical radiation oncology physics services related to all forms of brachytherapy, linear accelerators, quality management and improvement, simulators, radioactive materials, radiation measurement equipment, and computer software and information systems used in clinical radiation oncology

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Master's Degree
An M.S degree in Medical Physics or closely related field is required by the start date.

Qualifications:

Candidates must be certified in Therapeutic/Radiation Oncology Medical Physics by the American Board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Physics, or the Canadian College of Medical Physics, or must be Board eligible. Board eligible candidates must achieve board certification within three years of hire.

Ideal candidates will have had exposure to clinical proton therapy or clinical proton experience. 2025 residency graduates will be considered. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment are essential

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

SMPH Academic Staff Benefits flyer: (https://uwmadison.box.com/s/r50myohfvfd15bqltljn0g4laubuz7t0).

Additional Information:

This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

This vacancy is being announced simultaneously with Position Vacancy (Job #) 306489; please note that only one vacancy exists. Having two position vacancy listings allows the School of Medicine and Public Health to consider candidates with both PhD credentials and Master's degree credentials for this position.

How to Apply:

The deadline for assuring full consideration is December 31, 2024, however, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled. Your application must be received through the Jobs at UW portal to be considered as a candidate. Applications submitted outside of this system will not be considered. To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button and use the online UW Job Application system to submit the following:

- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience
- List of contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact:

Kirsten Gragg
kgragg@wisc.edu
608-265-3357
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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Official Title:

Rad Oncology Medical Physicist(HS074)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/HUMAN ONCOLOGY/HUMAN ONCO

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

306487-AS

 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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